POLICE have launched an investigation after a 12-year-old boy was approached by a strange man on a Southampton street. 

The schoolboy was approached on St Edmund's Road in Shirley yesterday.

The man, who was described as dark skinned and was driving a dark coloured car with tinted windows, spoke briefly to the boy, who then ran off.  The boy was not hurt.

Officers are now carrying out regular patrols and speaking to schools after the report.

Investigations are currently ongoing and police are speaking to the boy and his family.  Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out patrols in the area.

Officers have also been speaking to parents and children at local schools.

Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: “This is a rare occurrence and our officers have been speaking to people in the local area to gather information and provide reassurance. 

“Did you see the man described, or the vehicle he was driving, in the area? I’d ask you to contact us as soon as possible by calling 101”.

If anyone has any information please call 101 quoting reference 44190176362.