A Colchester man has appeared in court charged with a number of offences against children, including abduction and kidnap.

Piotr Gromczewski, 38, of Bergholt Road, was arrested on Monday, September 4, on suspicion of abduction. Police said it followed reports of a man trying to encourage girls into his car in the Monkwick area of Colchester.

Gromczewski was later charged with abduction, four offences of attempted abduction, kidnap, and possession of a firearm.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 5, and was remanded in court custody.

He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on October 3.

Speaking after the hearing, a spokesman for Essex Police said: “Gromczewski was arrested after reports to police that girls had been approached in the Monkwick area of Colchester by a man who attempted to encourage them in to his car.”

• For the latest news in Suffolk and Essex, see here.