Boy, 4, snatched by stranger as his mum walked him home from school in London

A FOUR-year-old boy was snatched by a stranger as he walked home from school with his mother in East London.

The would-be kidnapper grabbed a young lad in school uniform and attempted to run off with him.

He dropped the boy and fled after bring confronted near near Agnes Primary School in Bow on Monday afternoon.

The suspect and the victim of the attempted kidnapping are not believed to know each other.

Letters sent to parents which were shared on social media claim the child’s older brother chased the man and rescued the child victim.

Police confirmed they are hunting the kidnapper and warned parents to be vigilant.

Scotland Yard said: “Police are investigating a report that a four-year-old boy in school uniform was the victim of an attempted kidnap near to St Agnes Primary School at 3.10pm on Monday.

“The boy was allegedly picked up by the suspect at the end of a school day.

“The suspect tried to make off with the boy before being confronted, dropping the child and leaving the scene.

“Safer neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the area.”

Police described the suspect as a black man wearing a black baseball cap with blue writing on the side. He also had a long thick gold chain on and wore a blue t-shirt.

Tower Hamlets council confirmed neighbourhood officers will be stationed around the school in response to the incident.

A spokesman added: “There was an alleged attempted abduction of a child outside St Agnes Primary School on Monday.

“Police are investigating the incident. Neighbourhood police will now be present outside the school at the beginning and end of the school day.

“Tower Hamlets Council and Police are reminding parents, staff and children to remain vigilant and to report anything they believe to be suspicious to the police by calling 101.”