A salesman has been intimidating people on their own doorsteps when they have turned him away.

The man had called at several houses in Maldon and Heybridge and was selling items from a black bag, but turned nasty when people said they didn't want to buy anything.

Maldon's crime reduction officer Ray Stannard said: "This man may or may not have been genuine, but when he was turned away he became abrupt and intimidating."

The man is described as being in his 20s, with messy hair and is thought to have a scar beside his right eye.

Residents are warned to be beware of the man and to contact Maldon police on 01621 852255 if he becomes intimidating towards them.

Published Thursday December 27, 2001