TWO 12-year-old girls were “chased by an eastern European man” after leaving a park on Canvey.

It is claimed the man initially approached the children when they left Kismet Park, and tried to talk to them.

But the girls refused, and began to walk away.

It is then claimed that he began to jog after the girls, before chasing them along Eastern Esplanade.

The girls quickly knocked on the door of a nearby property, raised the alarm and hid from the man.

The man is described as white, with blond hair and was wearing a red top with a dark grey jacket with fur and muddy trainers

The incident was reported to Essex Police and the force’s enquiries are ongoing.

One of the girls’ mum took to Facebook, warning others of the worrying incident, which took place at roughly 3.30pm on Sunday.

The mum said: “Today my daughter and her friend were chased by a man from the Kismet Park at the seafront.

“He had blonde hair, grey jacket, red T-shirt and dirty white trainers.

“He tried to talk to them, when they ignored him and left the park he started jogging after them then ran and chased them along Eastern Esplanade until they ran to a house to raise the alarm.

“It has been reported to the police but please be vigilant around this area especially as the kids are on half term.”

Detectives have urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or is victim to a similar incident, to get in touch.

A force spokesman said: “Concerns were raised by a member of the public after two 12-year-old girls were approached by a man whilst in the park near to Eastern Esplanade in Canvey around 3.30pm on Sunday, April 7.

“The man was described as white, with blond hair and wearing a red top with a dark grey jacket with fur and muddy trainers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canvey community policing team on 101.” Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.