POLICE are investigating whether a frightening assault on a 14-year-old Newport boy was an attempted abduction.

The attack happened after the boy saw a man running towards him at the Civil Service Sports Ground in Bettws while he was walking to meet friends.

As he tried to escape from the man, the boy, from the Bettws area, was grabbed from behind and hands were put over his mouth. The man was disturbed by the boy's friends, who were nearby, and he fled. The incident was at 5.45pm on Monday.

Police say there is no evidence the assault was of a sexual nature. PC Eddie Evans, the crime and disorder reduction officer for Bettws, said: "It could have been an attempted abduction but we do not know at this stage.

"The boy was shaken up but he was not injured. As the boy started to scream for help and kick out, the man tried to put his hands over the boy's mouth.

"On hearing the boy's friends nearby, the man became agitated and pushed the boy to the floor and was seen to run off ."

He said the man was wearing a black woollen hat with the ends turned up, a black fleece zip-up jacket, navy or black track suit bottoms with cords hanging out of the leg bottoms, and plain white trainers. The attacker is described as around 6ft tall, aged about 25 to 30, of thin build.

PC Evans said: "We are keen to hear from anyone saw anyone dressed like this around the time of the attack. "

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 01633 245210.