Two schoolboys dragged a child with learning difficulties away from the clutches of a suspected paedophile.

Jordan Waterhouse and Robert Pennicot, both ten, had been playing in a park with seven-year-old Ben Barnard when a driver tried to abduct them by promising sweets.

He had driven on to the pathway where the boys were standing and urged them to get inside his silver Toyota Supra, which had a front seat piled with sweets, The boys tried to run away but Ben fell when the man tried to block them with his car.

Tearful Jordan and Robert ran back for him, lifted him up and carried him home to his grateful family.

Police were called to search the park in Harbour Way, Shoreham, but the suspect had gone.

Jordan's mother, Catherine Waterhouse, 32, said: "They saved Ben's life or saved him from something dreadful happening.

"They put themselves at massive risk. If they hadn't run back, this man would definitely have got him.

"I felt sick when they burst in the door and told me what had happened. They were in a terrible state - absolutely petrified.

"Jordan hasn't been the same since. He is very quiet and subdued.

"I'm lucky because I've talked to my children about strangers and always told them what to do if approached.

"I would urge all other parents to do the same.

"I believe this man will strike again. He is obviously very determined and next time the children might not be able to get away."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "This was potentially a very serious incident and we would appeal for any witnesses to come forward urgently.

"We are in the process of interviewing the boys."

The man is described as Asian and in his 30s, wearing light denim jeans, a navy blue polo shirt and white trainers with pale blue stripes.

The attempted abduction happened on Saturday evening.