Detectives investigating a series of accostings in north-east Essex have released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify.
Officers believe an attacker could be linked to 18 offences in Clacton and two in Colchester over the last four years.
Essex Police yesterday released CCTV of an incident in which a 14-year-old boy was approached by a man near an alleyway off Dudley Road, Clacton at about 6.30pm on Saturday, October 18, 2014.
The man stopped the boy as he was walking home and invited him to walk into the alleyway with him. The man acted inappropriately and the boy ran off and alerted his parents, Essex Police said.
The CCTV also shows the man run across Dudley Road in the path of oncoming cars. Officers want to trace the drivers of those cars who may remember a man running across the road and have information that could help investigating officers.
The description of the offender is “very similar” in a number of the incidents and police have previously issued an E-fit image, a force spokesman said.
The man is described as about 6ft tall, aged 40 to 60 and of large/stocky build with receding short brown/grey hair.
He is thought to have a London accent and in other incidents has worn a black beanie hat and/or red Columbia ski jacket.
Detective Inspector Leighton Hammett said: “I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV to contact us. Although it may not be the best quality, the man has a distinctive running style and we are keen to hear from drivers who may remember him running across the path of their car on Dudley Road at around 6.30pm.
“There have been no recorded incidents since October 26, 2014. However we are still carrying out police patrols in the area to provide reassurance but I would remind people to remain vigilant and speak to their children about stranger danger and the importance of telling someone if they are approached.
“It is then vital to call Essex Police on 101 as soon as possible or, if the offender is believed to be close by, dial 999.”
The CCTV video is available on Essex Police’s YouTube channel.
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