A DISTURBING video shows a man paying for a teenage boy's used underwear and socks in broad daylight in the city centre.

The video has been described by police as "deeply concerning" and want to speak to him urgently - despite not being a criminal offence.

The footage, shared on Facebook, shows a bald man appearing to pay cash to buy a teenage boy's boxer shorts and socks in St Martin's Quarter, Worcester, outside Sports Direct.

The man is said to have approached the boy on Friday, September 2 and the incident was reported the following day.

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Despite concerns raised by members of the public and from West Mercia Police officers, the force does not believe a criminal offence has been committed at this stage.

CONCERN: The man spotted buying boxer shorts from a teenage boy. Still from Facebook video

In the video, a boy can be heard saying "You said £30" as the man hands over cash from his wallet and they barter over the price.

The man replies: "Did I?"

He then adds "You're right, you're right" before handing over the notes and taking hold of the pants.

At one stage the man appears to lift his phone as if he is taking a photo of the boy, who is just 15.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "On Saturday, September 3 we received a report that a man had approached a 15-year-old boy in Silver Street, Worcester and offered to pay cash for his boxer shorts and socks as part of a social experiment.

"The boy agreed and sold the items to the man, who is described as being bald and about 5ft 9ins tall.

"The incident happened the previous day, Friday, September 2, at about 3.30pm.

"Whilst no criminal offence has been reported officers investigating this incident are keen to identify the man and hear from anyone else who is aware of similar approaches being made to other people."

Inspector Fergus Green, Worcester Safer Neighbourhoods inspector, said: "The actions reported to us do not constitute a criminal offence but are deeply concerning and could lead to, or be an indicator of, criminal activity.

“We are, therefore, keen to trace the man involved and establish what his intentions were.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Mercia Police through our online reporting system quoting incident 238 of 3 September.”

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