RESIDENTS have been reassured Colchester remains “a safe place to live” after two schoolgirls were harassed before a have-a-go hero came to their rescue.

Mum Emma McClenahan has issued a warning to parents after her 14-year-old daughter and her friend were reportedly approached by a suspicious-acting man.

The incident took place in the city centre and saw the man in question attempt to engage with the girls in what has been described as an “inappropriate manner”.

Thankfully, a nearby shopper saw the events unfolding and sensed the discomfort the unsuspecting teenagers were experiencing, so decided to step in to help.

Gazette:

The man was then spoken to by a nearby police officer as the two girls finally made their way to safety and out of any potential danger.

Emma said: “Thank you to the lady in town for looking out for my daughter and her friend when she noticed a man looking at them.

“She approached a passing police officer and informed them, before they went and had a word with him – lucky I wasn’t there.”

Although her daughter managed to escape the ordeal unscathed, Emma says another young girl who was recently in the city centre was not so lucky.

“I got a message from another lady asking me if I knew what the guy looked like, because her 14-year-old daughter was actually assaulted,” she said.

David King, the newly appointed leader of Colchester Council, has now moved to reassure the public following the reported attacks in the city centre.

He said: “It is an issue of concern for every parent and all residents to hear reports suggesting behaviour that alarms anyone of any sex in the city centre.

“I feel their upset, just as others would, and I send my love and best wishes to anyone who has been impacted by what has happened.

Gazette:

“But we also have to always have a context and for most people most of the time Colchester is still a safe place to live and a good place to visit.

“All concerns raised by residents, however, will be taken seriously and acted upon with my full support.”