POLICE are hunting a man who tried to drag a teenage girl off the street as she walked home from school.

The teenager was walking past garages at the junction of Brownlow Bend and Clayburn Circle, in Basildon, when a man tried to stop her and ask her questions.

The girl, who is in her midteens, ignored the man and walked off.

But the man grabbed at her and tried to drag her towards him.

The terrified girl managed to break free and was able to run off.

The man is described as black, with a gold tooth on the front left side of his mouth.

He was wearing a black body warmer with a red logo and the hood up. Underneath was a black long-sleeved top and he had large headphones around his neck.

The incident happened at about 1.30pm on Friday afternoon.

Residents reported seeing officers scouring Brownlow Bend, Clayburn Circle and Long Riding in the aftermath of the incident.

One man, who did not want to give his name, said: “There were police shooting up and down the road and they were obviously looking for someone.

“Then we had police officers knocking at the door, asking us if we had seen anything.

“We have kids, it is really worrying.”

Insp Steve Davey, from Basildon police, said officers are continuing to interview the victim and hope to draw up an E-fit in the coming days.

He said: “We searched the area, made house-to-house enquiries and will be reviewing CCTV in the area, but would appeal for anyone who may have seen this man, or knows who he is, to contact us.”

Anyone with information about the attack or the suspect, should contact PC Tiffany Gore at Basildon police on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.