Boy, nine, ‘nearly snatched off street by man who then followed him’

A nine-year-old boy was almost snatched off the street by a man who then followed him, police have said. 

The incident happened at around 8.45am on June 13 near St Nicholas Rest Garden, just a few roads away from Brighton beach. 

A 39-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession of a Class B drug. 

Sussex Police has called for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. 

Those with any information have been urged to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 346 of 13/06.