DETECTIVES investigating three incidents in Tilbury in the early hours of Saturday, 7 November continue to appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage.

However, they are not able to confirm social media reports that similar incidents have happened in Orsett and Grays.

As part of their ongoing enquiries, officers believe all three incidents reported at the weekend are linked and involved the same group of men travelling in a large white SUV-style car. One of the men was wearing a high-visibility jacket, while the others were wearing dark tracksuits.

Following further information from those involved, detectives have now established that the men claimed to be police officers in two of the three incidents, despite not wearing police uniform or showing identification.

The first incident happened at around 4.15am in St Chads Road, Tilbury. A taxi was approached by a white car which flashed its lights before pulling in front of it. One of the three occupants of the white car tried unsuccessfully to open the taxi door before the taxi drove away. The crime reference is 42/177576/26.

In a revised timeline, the second incident happened at around 5am in Canberra Square, Tilbury. A man reported being stopped by the occupants of a white car, who attempted to take his wallet and mobile phone. The crime reference is 42/177549/26.

During both the first and second incidents, the suspects claimed to be police officers. Neither victim reported being injured.

The third incident happened at around 6am in Calcutta Road. A man reported an interaction with the occupants of a white car and said he was assaulted, sustaining injuries. No property was taken. The crime reference is 42/177548/26.

Detectives from Grays CID continue to investigate all three incidents, which they believe are linked.

A statement says: "We understand incidents of this nature will cause concern in the community but our enquiries are continuing as we work to identify those involved.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information that could help our investigation is asked to contact us.

"We are also asking anyone who was driving in the area between around 4am and 6am to check their dash cam footage and contact us if they captured anything that may assist our enquiries.

"A genuine police officer will understand if you want to verify their identity. You can ask to see their warrant card.

"If someone claims to be a police officer and you are concerned for your immediate safety, call 999.

"If you have information that could help our investigation, you can submit a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"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."