Detectives continuing to investigate attempted kidnapping in Harlow
It's after reports a teenage girl was assaulted
Detectives in Essex say they're continuing to investigate reports of an attempted kidnapping in Harlow.
It was reported a teenage girl was approached from behind by a man near Oakwood Pond on Wednesday afternoon - he tried to take her away but she managed to escape.
Police say she was unharmed and she and her family are being supported by officers.
The man is believed to have left the area in the direction of Canons Brook.
Police say they are carrying out extra patrols in the area while they try to work out what happened.
The man is described as black, skinny, in his early 20s and about 5ft 10ins tall.
He has black hair, some facial hair and was wearing a dark baseball cap and dark shorts.
Police say they want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in that area.
Detective Inspector Daniela Hogan, who is leading the investigation, said: “This incident would have been very frightening for the victim, who showed such bravery in freeing herself and fleeing the area.
“We are treating this incident very seriously and there continues to be a significant policing presence in the area this evening as investigations continue to be carried out. That includes viewing CCTV and carrying out house-to-house enquiries.
“The incident happened in an area where we expect there would have been other people present who either saw or heard something.
“I need anyone who saw a teenage girl in distress or a man matching the description in this area to get in touch with my team.
“I am acutely aware that an incident of this nature will naturally cause concern among the community in Harlow, but we have a team of specialist detectives working to piece together what happened in order to identify the person responsible.”