A TEENAGER was accosted in Rayleigh High Street by a man in a van.

The 16-year-old was outside the newsagents when she was approached by a man who asked her name and offered to give her a lift home.

He then tried to guide her towards the van, but the girl walked off.

It is believed he had overheard her in the shop telephoning her mother for a lift at about 3.30pm on Saturday, August 25.

 He is described as white, 5ft 6in tall and a fat build. He had a round chubby face and very short hair or was balding. He is aged in his mid 20s-early 30s and was wearing a round neck navy blue T-shirt with a white logo on the left side and blue baggy jeans. He spoke in a soft voice and had an Essex accent.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Janine Bush, Castle Point Youth Officer, at Rayleigh police station on 101.