A public safety alert has been issued by a frantic mum over an abduction attempt in Greenock.

A concerned woman is warning parents to be extra vigilant after a man apparently tried to take her child away in the east end.

The worried woman posted online that an elderly man attempted to take her little boy on Thursday and she says he continued to follow them as she sought to get away.

The alarming incident happened in the Carwood Street area, pictured, close by to King’s Oak Primary School, reportd the Greenock Telegraph.

Her post has been shared on Facebook hundreds of times and police say they are aware of the situation and are following it up.

The woman wrote on the social media site: “Could all the mums and dads in Carwood Street, Border Street and East Crawford Street area please be on look out for an elderly man in a navy rain coat, black and white Nike trainers and white hair and glasses.

“He made an attempt to take my wee boy today and followed us until I could rid of him.

“Nursery and services are aware but thought I’d put a message out.”

Sergeant Laura Stewart at Greenock police says officers have been notified and are looking into the matter.

She said: “We received a report about this so we are making enquiries to establish if there’s any criminality.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously using the 0800 555 111 hotline.