A 29-year-old man from Canvey Island who was arrested following the disappearance of a teenager in Clacton has been released on bail.

Martel Lilly, 16, was last seen on a bicycle in The Grove at around 4.20pm when he was allegedly spotted being put into the back of a car – which then drove off.

The teenager’s bike was left at the scene and has since been recovered.

On Sunday, police said Martel had been in contact with his family since the incident, but they are still urging him to get in touch with officers.

A 29-year-old man from Canvey Island who was arrested on suspicion of child abduction in relation to the disappearance has been released on bail until September 23.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Smith, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Detectorate, said: “Our concerns for Martel have lowered as he has been in contact with members of his family and told them he is ok.

“However, we still need to see and speak to him to ensure his welfare.

“Martel won’t be in any trouble, we just need to make sure he’s ok.

“I need any of his friends, or people who know him, who know where he is to call us or get Martel to get in contact himself.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.