A MAN tried to coax a boy into his vehicle during an attempted accosting in South Ockendon.

Essex Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident, which took place at about 3.20pm on Monday, May 17, in Fairham Avenue, South Ockendon.

The victim, of secondary school age, was walking when an old-style black saloon car with tinted windows stopped alongside him.

The driver asked the boy to get in the car.

He was described aged around 40, bald and of a muscular build. He spoke with a non-local British accent.

The boy ignored the invitation and walked off, but the suspect beeped his car horn to get his attention.

A woman intervened and spoke to the driver, who fled at speed towards Daiglen Drive.

The boy was unharmed and made his way safely home after the incident.

Essex Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.

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They are particularly keen to speak to the lady who intervened.

She is described as a black woman, believed to be aged around 30 and of a slim building.

She left the scene towards Foyle Drive.

Detective Inspector James Healy, leading the investigation, said, “We take reports of this nature very seriously.

“We do not want our young people being frightened and approached in the street by people they do not know.

“That’s why we want to speak to the woman who stopped and spoke to the driver as quickly as possible as she may be able to help us quickly identify the driver and stop him from doing it again.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about the identity of the man, or CCTV or dash cam footage of the car, is asked to call us on 101 quoting crime reference 42/92874/21.

You can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.