ESSEX Police issued a message of reassurance and stepped up its presence in Orsett this weekend, following public concern over an alleged attempt to kidnap children.

Thurrock News reported on events last week when TV actor Bill Murray went public about what happened to his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren while they were walking near the Green in the village.

He took to social media with a video warning local people about the danger - and he daughter's full story was recounted in a later report.

Bill Murray took to social media last week over an alleged kidnap attempt on his grandchildren.

In the wake of the incident and media coverage Essex Police said: "Based on the information provided no offences have been identified but the call has been noted for intelligence purposes.

"We know the public will be concerned by a video circulating online relating to this incident and high visibility patrols are taking place in the area.

"We are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns or suspicious activity to us."

Yesterday (Saturday, 15 April) police issued puictures of two PCSO patrolling in the area and said: "We've been carrying out proactive patrols in Orsett following concerns raised about an incident in The Green last weekend.

"We are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any concerns or anything suspicious that they see to us.

"If you have any information or concerns you can report them via our online reporting services: www.essex.police.uk/digital101."