POLICE officers in Essex are urging parents to be vigilant after a man has been seen loitering suspiciously around young girls in Clacton.

POLICE officers in Essex are urging parents to be vigilant after a man has been seen loitering suspiciously around young girls in Clacton.

The advice from officers is being issued after an incident in Elephant Park, off Nayland Drive on Tuesday.

A seven-year-old girl was grabbed by a man sometime between 6pm and 8pm.

The girl, who lives locally, had been playing in the park with a group of older children when she found herself alone. She managed to kick the man in the shins, before running off.

Investigating officer, detective inspector Lee Davies, said: “We have spent several hours with this young girl who has clearly been traumatised by her ordeal.

“We have interviewed her at length and she has provided us with a description of some kind. We will be doing some further work in the next few days.

“In the meantime, we're asking parents and guardians to ensure they keep an eye on their young children when they are out playing.”

The man is described as white, of thin build, aged between 30 and 50 years old and has short, cropped hair.

Police have contacted local primary school staff and alerted them to the possibility of a suspicious-looking man fitting the description offered by the girl.

Anyone with information in connection with this attempted assault or suspicious activity relating to this incident is urged to contact detectives at Clacton police station on 0300 333 4444.