AN ELEVEN-year-old schoolboy was confronted by a man in a white van as he cycled home from school in Wallasey.

Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses after the driver of the Transit van confronted the boy as he cycled along Poulton Road at around 3.30pm last Wednesday.

The van had been parked up near to the junction of Northbrook Road.

As the cyclist passed him, the man opened the door and began shouting at him.

The cyclist was scared and kept on cycling until he reached home and told his parents who then informed the police.

Officers are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and are keen to speak to the driver of the van, any passenger who was inside it, or any passer-by who witnessed what happened.

Detective Constable Emma Buckle from Wirral CID, said: "This was an unusual incident which has left a young man upset so we are keen to speak to anyone who can shed any light on what happened.

"It is important that we establish why this man shouted at the cyclist so I am keen for him to make himself known to the police and for anyone else who witnessed this suspicious incident to call us.

"The boy did exactly the right thing in leaving the situation immediately and telling his parents.

"It is pleasing that all the work that teachers and neighbourhood officers do with young people about staying safe when outside of school is being taken on board."

The vehicle in question is described as a dirty white Ford Transit-style van. The man was white, aged in his mid-30s, with black hair and a moustache. He was wearing a grey jumper and black trousers.

Anyone with information should call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.