The incident occurred in a busy NSW mall while the mother sat watching nearby.

In a social experiment, YouTuber Joey Salads 'abducts' a boy from a playground right in front of his father, who is distracted by his phone. Courtesy: YouTube/JoeySalads

Even under the watchful eye of mum, a child can be at risk of an attempted abduction.

On Thursday, a 15-month-old boy was playing in a children's area in Sydney's west with his mum nearby, when a stranger came along and picked him up.

The mum screamed and chased after the man, who fortunately handed her son back to her.

Artist's impression of the children' water play space at Macquarie Street Mall, Liverpool. Source: Liverpool Council.

The man walked towards the boy, picked him up and then started walking away

Police are now looking for the man after the attempted child abduction at Macquarie Street Mall in Liverpool on Thursday.

Police say the toddler boy was in the play area of the shopping mall with his mum standing a short distance away watching him when a man walked towards the boy, picked him up and left with him towards Elizabeth Drive.

The little boy’s mother yelled and ran towards the man, who handed her son back to her and then left the area in an unknown direction.

Police say the man is described as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance about 45 years old with a medium build. He was clean shaven, with black hair combed back and wearing a black long sleeved jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Liverpool Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The child was playing in Macquarie Street Mall with his mum nearby when he was snatched. Source: Google Maps.