Six accostings have now been reported to police in Clacton, it has emerged.

A man who ‘smells strongly of body odour’ is wanted by police after six accostings in Clacton over the last two months.

The latest in a string of offences, which have seen boys and young men targeted, took place at around 9pm on October 26. Essex Police said a 24-year-old man was approached by a man in St Anns Road, close to the junction with Old Road, as he walked away from town. The man tried to persuade the victim to accompany him before he indecently exposed himself.

The victim then punched the man to the left side of his face before running off.

The suspect is described as white, of a large, stocky build with a mole on his face. He was wearing a waterproof with a zip pocket on the front and had on a beanie hat which was pulled up quite high on his head. He was wearing generally dark clothing.

The other linked incidents are: A 15-year-old boy was approached in Holland Road at 6.55pm on Saturday September 20.

Two 12-year-old boys were approached in Pathfields Road at 3pm on Saturday September 27.

A 14-year-old boy was approached at about 6.30pm near an alleyway off Dudley Road on Saturday October 18.

A 13-year-old boy was approached at 9pm in Coppins Road on Saturday October 18.

A 20-year-old man was approached at 8.30pm in Anchor Road on Sunday October 26.

The overall description of the suspect is that he is white, of stocky to chubby build, around 40 to 45 years of age and 6ft to 6ft 2in tall. He has stained teeth, a mole under his right eye and smells strongly of body odour.

Detective Inspector Leighton Hammett, of Essex Police, said: “This offence means we now have a total of six incidents, which we believe all involve the same suspect approaching boys and young men. He has then tried to engage them in conversation and acted inappropriately.

“The offender description is very similar in all these incidents and we believe it is the same man who we have already issued an e-fit of. If anyone recognises that picture or has any other information which could assist our enquiries I would urge them to contact us.

“We are still carrying out police patrols in the area of these attacks to provide reassurance to the community and if anyone has any information or concerns I would ask them to speak to these officers.”

Det Insp Hammett asked people to make sure their children do not speak to strangers and that they understand the importance of telling a responsible person immediately if they are approached. “I would also ask parents to make sure their children do not go out alone and they know where they are at all times,” he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton CID on 101 or contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.