A TEENAGE boy was sexually assaulted in a nature reserve after a man attempted to steal his money, bag and phone.

Essex Police have launched an investigation into the sexual assault of a teenage boy in Billericay at around 9pm on Friday.

After initial attempting to steal from the boy, the man indecently exposed himself before sexually assaulting the teenager.

Officers believe the victim was followed from Billericay High Street into the Mill Meadows nature reserve.

The victim was approached by a man who was described as black, between 19 and 20 years old and around 6ft tall.

He was of slim build and was wearing a grey jumper and tracksuit bottoms, with black shoes.

The man initially demanded that the boy hand over his money, bag and phone.

He then indecently exposed himself to the victim and sexually assaulted him.

Police have warned public they may see additional patrols as they look to track down the culprit.

The force have also stated they believe this to be an "isolated" incident, and the public should be "aware but not alarmed."

The man then left the scene without any of the victim’s personal items.

Police believe the man accused was seen shortly before the incident, at roughly 8.30pm, walking along Sun Street.

A number of cars were driving along the road at this time, and police would like to speak to any motorists who believe they may have seen him.

Ds Aaron Kay from Basildon CID, said: “This was a really traumatic incident for the victim.

"He wasn’t physically injured but is understandably very shaken by the assault.

“We currently believe this to be an isolated incident and he is being supported by our team.

“People may see extra patrols in the area and we would urge people to be alert, but not alarmed.

“The team is conducting thorough enquiries to try and locate this individual.”

Contact Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

Or to report information online anonymously, visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/