AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after two men asked a boy to get into their car.

A 12-year-old boy was approached by the two men in Elm Grove, Brighton, at 3.10pm yesterday.

The victim was waiting at a bus stop when one of the suspects asked if he would like a lift home.

The suspects fled the scene after two other men intervened.

Police say one suspect was a white man in his 40s or 50s and had a strong Scottish accent.

The Argus:

The second suspect is also white, had a large build with a ponytail and was wearing a facemask with a monkey design on it.

They were driving a white car.

Detective Superintendent Mike Ashcroft said: “We are pursuing several lines of enquiry as we work to establish the full circumstances

 “We are appealing directly to the two individuals who stepped in to help to come forward and speak to the officers investigating the circumstances of this incident.

"We are also appealing to any other witnesses in the area who may have seen what happened.

"Be assured that incidents such as these are extremely rare and we would urge anyone in this situation to walk away or call for help and dial 999 immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to report online or call 101, quoting 894 of 22/10.

The boy was not harmed.