Police are investigating reports of a man who tried to steal a dog from a 10-year-old boy before threatening to punch him in the face.

The incident took place on Saturday at around 1pm when the boy was standing outside Tesco Metro on Killigrew Street looking after the dog while his mum was shopping.

Posting on social media, his mum said: "While I was in the shop a man, aged around 40 with glasses and a black hoodie approached my son and started trying to remove the dog's harness.

"My son told him no and the man threatened to punch him before walking off. The police have been informed and are checking the CCTV footage."

She added: "Thankfully both my son and dog are ok, but shaken up."

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson told the Packet: "Police are investigating reports of an attempted robbery in Falmouth on Saturday October 12.

"It was reported that a 10-year-old boy was waiting outside a shop at 1pm on Killigrew Street with a dog, when he was approached by an unknown man who attempted to remove the dogs lead.

"The man then threatened to punch the victim before leaving the area.

"The suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 5ins tall and thought to be in his 40s. He was described as wearing a black hoody, white trousers, white trainers and black glasses.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/092697/19."