HOUSE to house inquiries and extra police patrols have been made after an allegation a man impersonating a police officer tried to abduct a 10-year-old boy from a Wellington play area.

Police said they were aware of reports that a man claiming to be a police officer approached a child at Cades Mead at about 7 pm on October 8.

A second incident was reported on Sunday (November 2) where the same man was said to have chased the boy in the same play area at about 5.15 pm but was stopped by a man walking his dog.

This time, the man was not dressed as a police officer.

Police neighbourhood Insp Steve Jones said the boy was not harmed in either incident and no reports of physical contact were made.

Insp Jones said: “The man has been described as white, wearing all black, with brown hair in a middle-parting.

“We have been conducting CCTV and house to house inquiries, while increased reassurance patrols have also been carried out in the area.

“We have spoken to the child’s school to provide advice to staff and pupils.

“We urge anybody with concerns and information to call 101, speak to an officer in the community, or call 999 if a crime is in progress.

“While the child has not been physically harmed in either incident, he has been left shaken, and we understand this is likely to cause concern among members of the community.

“We would like to assure residents our investigation is ongoing, we have lines of inquiry to follow, and officers have been in contact with the victim and family to provide reassurance and updates.”

Insp Jones appealed for witnesses, or anybody with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage at the time of the incidents or before and after, to call 101 quoting 5225282491, or complete an online appeals form.