Social media gave parents a scare after it was reported an eight or nine-year-old boy was the victim of an attempted snatch in a Tesco Express.

Gill Grace-Rothon posted on Facebook she had "witnessed an eight or nine-year-old boy being snatched in Tesco in Walton this afternoon [March 18]."

She said: "Luckily the poor distraught boy escaped the brute's clutches".

Elmbridge's police team posted on its Facebook page: "Yesterday there were reports on social media of an attempted child abduction in Hersham.

"Surrey Police have not dealt with or had any incident of this nature reported to them.

"We would ask if anyone has first hand information to please contact us on 101.

"We acknowledge that social media is a great communication tool.

"We would remind you that any incidents of this nature should be reported at the time using 999 telephone system as unverified posts of this nature can cause unnecessary alarm and distress in the community."