POLICE have appealed for information after a girl was grabbed by a man in the street.

Annie Davidson

POLICE have appealed for information after a girl was grabbed by a man in the street.

The 12-year-old was in Rayne Road, Braintree, when she was approached by the man who took hold of her arm.

Officers said the victim managed to break free and run off towards Somerfield supermarket after the incident at about 1pm on Saturday near the Queen's Head pub.

The victim was upset but did not suffer serious harm.

A search of the area was launched using the Essex Police helicopter but the man was not traced.

He was described as being of Asian appearance, aged about 50-years-old, with thinning grey hair, grey stubble, and stained, smelly hands and nails which indicated he was a heavy smoker.

He was wearing a dark top and black jogging bottoms.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows who the man is should contact police at Braintree on 0300 333 4444 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.