The boy told police he was pushing his bicycle along Greystanes Road about 1.30pm when his path was blocked by a silver van.

Police officers were told the man who had been a passenger in the van reportedly grabbed at the boy but he ran away.

Police were told the van followed the boy to intersection of Doris and Dawn Streets where was grabbed by the passenger before the boy was able to escape from his grasp.

The boy ran home and police were contacted.

The passenger is described as being a middle-aged Caucasian man, about 180 centimetres tall, with long dark brown hair.

At the time he was wearing a maroon shirt, black jeans and white sports shoes. Police were told his bottom lip was pierced.

The driver was described only as being a man with short, dark ‘scruffy’ hair.

Police are now appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident, or recognises the mens’ descriptions, to contact Merrylands Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.