Police have launched a manhunt after a suspect attempted to rob a teenager with what is believed to be a gun.

At around 8.15am a man approached a teenager as he made his way to school along the Bunny Walks between First and Second Avenue, Chelmsford.

He demanded that the boy handed over his wallet and showed him what the victim believed to be a gun.

However, the suspect left the scene empty handed.

He has been described as white, in his early 20s, around 6ft tall, of an average and clean shaven.

He is believed to have short hair and wore a light grey zipped up tracksuit and wore a black man bag. 

Detective Inspector Rob Kirby, of Chelmsford CID, said: “This incident happened in broad daylight as the victim walked to school during a particularly busy time of the day with people going to work and dropping their children off at school.

"The victim was uninjured but has been left him extremely shaken up by the ordeal.

“We continue to carry out investigative enquiries and whilst we believe this was an isolated incident, we would urge the members of public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. 

“We also urge anyone with CCTV to contact Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."