Police Scotland is trying to trace a young boy following a “suspicious” incident in Bridge of Earn.
Investigators said two young girls – aged one and two – were left, for a short time, playing in the back garden of a property in Old Mill Courtyard.
Both mothers returned moments later and found that their daughters had disappeared.
The girls were spotted by the mums a short distance away in Main Street, accompanied by a boy aged nine or 10.
The incident happened at about 4pm on Saturday.
A force spokesman said: “We would like to speak to the boy to establish what exactly has happened on Saturday.
“On police arrival the small children appeared happy and unhurt by the incident, but it is unclear whether the girls have wandered out the garden and on the road themselves and met with the boy or whether he has come into the garden.”
He added: “The boy made off in the direction of the shops on Main Street after being confronted by the mothers and was lost to sight.
“He was described as having short dark hair, black tracksuit top, black jogging bottoms and carrying a black backpack.”
The spokesman said: “Officers are liaising with a local primary school in an effort to establish the identity of the boy and have carried out door to doors enquiries, but we would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting CR/14764/19 or speak to any police officers.
