A TEENAGE boy was grabbed by a man after he popped into a public toilet in Wootton Bassett on his way back from school.

The 14-year-old was grabbed from behind as he left a cubicle but managed to struggle free and run away.

Police said the boy was very upset following the incident in Boroughfields, which is being treated as an attempted indecent assault.

PC Alex Curtis, of Wootton Bassett police, urged anyone with information about the attacker or the incident to come forward.

He said: "As the boy entered the toilet he was followed by an older male.

"When leaving a cubicle he was grabbed from behind. Fortunately he managed to struggle free and ran home."

Police suspect the offender may be a man who had been spotted outside Budgens supermarket prior to the attack.

"The victim is distressed and it took a lot for him to come forward," said PC Curtis.

"Our primary objective now is to speak to anyone who may have seen this individual in the area."

The man is described as about 50 with a dark beard that was greying. He was wearing a long green coat and a green bobble-style hat.

Chris Montacute, the headteacher of Wootton Bassett School, said he was not aware of the incident but advised students to stick with friends, keep to main routes and be aware of their of surroundings.

He said: "If they are approached by someone, they should go to a responsible adult quickly.

"This is surprising for a town like Wootton Bassett but you cannot stereotype a town any more, you don't know what to expect."

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 3.20pm on Tuesday should callthe police on 01793 852213 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Kevin Shoesmith