Police are appealing for information after a child was accosted and assaulted in Halstead.

The incident happened yesterday morning when the victim, a 10-year-old boy, was walking along Mill Bridge at around 8.30am.

A car, described as a black Ford Focus Estate which was missing its front registration plate, pulled up behind him.

A man got out of the car and grabbed the boy’s backpack. He attempted to pull the boy towards the vehicle.

The boy managed to escape and run to safety. He was unhurt but shaken.

The car was then seen to head off into the Weavers Court industrial area.

The man was described as being black, of muscly build and in his mid-30s with short dark hair, glasses and blue eyes.

He was wearing a black jumper, black trousers and black shoes.

Sergeant Matt Oaks, from the Braintree local policing team, said: “This would have been very scary for the victim and we want to ensure parents are aware of the incident and reassure the community that extra officer patrols have been put in place.”

Essex Police want those who were in the area at the time or have information about the incident to call Braintree police station on 101, quoting reference 42/3699/18.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.