A man has been charged with multiple counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Specialist officers who work to protect children from sexual offenders and catch perpetrators have secured three charges against a man.

Tyrese Smith, 19, of Grove Road, Romford, has been charged with three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Officers with the Essex Police Child Abuse Investigations Team had launched enquiries after reports of alleged sexual activity between a man and a child in the Tilbury area.

This also followed reports of a man breaching his bail conditions.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We spoke to the child, putting support in place, and carried out a number of enquiries to locate a person of interest on Monday, November 27.

“After some swift investigative work, an arrest was made by officers from our Operational Support Group.

“He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 29 and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, January 2.”