AN investigation has been launched after a toddler was grabbed while out with his mother.

The police were called at around 1pm on Wednesday to a report of suspicious circumstances in Blackpool.

It was a reported a woman had grabbed the hand of a three-year-old boy, while in the care of his mother, on Clevedon Road.

The woman left the scene, with the child safe and well with his mother. The female is described as white, tall, medium to slim build, dyed red hair wearing a black jacket and black joggers.

An investigation is now underway and patrols have been increased.

Det Ch Insp James Edmonds, of Blackpool Police, said: “We are keeping an open mind about the circumstances of the incident and are keen to trace the woman involved. We would ask that she make contact with us as soon as possible.

“Reassurance patrols have been deployed to the area and there will be a visible policing presence in the area in the coming days.

“I would ask that anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident contact us. I would also ask that if you were in the area and have dashcam footage contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0612 of May 25.