POLICE are appealing for information following an incident in Aveley yesterday (Monday, 19 January) in which a boy was inappropriately approached.

It was reported the 10-year-old boy was approached by a man wearing a balaclava who grabbed his arm near the junction of Shannon Way and Teviot Avenue, Aveley, at about 8.15am.

The boy got away from this man who then left the scene. The boy informed a family member and police shortly afterwards.

The man reportedly left with another man in what has been described as a light coloured medium BMW hatchback, with a small dent near the passenger-side brake light. The direction of travel after the incident was reported as towards Monnow Road.

Officers attended the scene, conducted house to house enquiries, and are reviewing potential CCTV sources in the area.

A statement says: "We are now asking for anyone who was in the area between 8.05am and 8.20am, particularly along Shannon Way, Teviot Avenue, Monnow Road, or the surrounding flats, to come forward if they witnessed the incident or saw a vehicle matching the description.

"Anyone present at the location or with information, dashcam footage, doorbell recordings, or who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area is urged to contact us.

"Incidents like this are rare and experienced detectives are investigating."

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Detectives from Grays CID are investigating the incident and working to establish what led up to it.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Nima Fouladipour: "I know this incident has caused concern within the community.

"Incidents like this are rare but we know it can be worrying to see, hear, and read about the details.

"My team is working hard to identify the vehicle and the people involved. We're also safeguarding the child and supporting him and his family.

"I believe there will have been a few people in the area at the time this incident happened and think someone will have seen something that will help our investigation.

"If that's you, I need you to come forward.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us quoting incident 272 of 19 January.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

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"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."