Police are investigating reports a man tried to grab an 11-year-old boy in the Old Heath area of Colchester this morning.
Detectives believe the man, described as being between 35 and 45 years old, approached the boy at the junction of Abbots Road and Old Heath Road at around 8.40am.
He stopped in front of the boy and asked him where he was going – but when the youngster tried to get away, the man tried to grab his sleeve.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “The boy was able to run away, and although very shaken, he was not physically harmed.
“We are in the early stages of the investigation, and would like to reassure people that this is currently being treated as an isolated incident.”
The man was described as white with grey scruffy hair.
He also had stubble, and was wearing a black coat with a hood.
Police believe he was also carrying an orange backpack.
To help, call the Colchester Local Policing Team on 101 with information or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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