A young man tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl on her way to school
The youngster, who has not been named by police, was on her way to Colbayns High School in Clacton with a friend.
They were walking along Old Road when the man went up to them and accused them of stealing cigarettes from a shop.
Insp Mick Ornellas said the man searched the 12-year-old's friend before grabbing her and dragging her back towards a newsagents further down the road.
"Staff from the shop came out and intervened and told the man to go away," he said.
"He then disappeared from the scene and the girl later reported the incident to the police station with her father."
Mr Ornellas said the assailant was a young man in his late teens or early 20s.
He was about 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He was clean shaven with short, brown hair.
The man was wearing a blue-hooded top, tracksuit bottoms and what were described as new, white running shoes. He also had a white baseball cap on.
The incident happened at about 8.30am on Friday.
Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact 01255 221312
Published Monday, December 16, 2002
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