A YOUNG boy has been left 'shaken' after a man approached him and offered him sweets outside a school in Birkenhead.

At around 8.50am yesterday (Monday, September 9), a 10-year-old boy was offered sweets by a man on Hesketh Avenue near to Prenton High School.

The boy then ran away and told an adult as soon as he could.

A warning has been issued to parents by nearby Bedford Drive Primary School urging them to talk to their children about the dangers of strangers.

The man is described as around 30 years old, of medium build, with a dark trimmed beard and was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt.

Enquiries are ongoing and the details have been circulated to local patrols.

Community policing chief inspector Nick Gunatilleke said: “The young boy did exactly the right thing and ignored the man before telling an adult as soon as he could.

"I would like to reassure the community that this incident will be investigated and that we regularly visit and work closely with schools to give children the appropriate advice on dealing with such incidents.

"It is reassuring to see that in this case the young boy has clearly listened and although shaken, is safe and well.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, the man fitting the description or has any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media @MerPolCC quoting incident number 19100508842, or call 101.