POLICE officers are continuing their investigations after two men approached a young boy in Stanway.

The 11-year-old was approached by the duo in a silver Volkswagen Golf in Peartree Road last Tuesday who tried to get him into the vehicle.

The boy refused and ran away, but was chased by one of the men who scarpered after the boy approached a dog walker to plea for help.

An Essex Police chief has now said the force is not treating this incident as attempted abduction.

Read more: Police investigating child abduction attempt as boys chased through streets

Chief inspector Rob Huddleston, district commander for Colchester, said: “My officers have reviewed CCTV in the area surrounding the car park where this incident occurred and have spoken with a number of key witnesses.

“Whilst our inquiries show an exchange took place between the child and a man in the car, at this stage we are not treating this incident as attempted abduction.

“I appreciate this incident will have caused some concern and unrest among the community, but I would like to reassure parents in particular the evidence presents no wider risk.”

Essex Police added officers are exploring several lines of inquiry.

Anyone with information should call 101.