A WARNING has been issued after a teenager was followed by a man who told her: “I know where you live”.
The concerning incident has sparked a police manhunt for who they believe to be the suspect who has now been pictured via a CCTV image.
The man, who is described as white and wearing dark navy clothing, approached the 16-year-old in North Station Road, Colchester.
It is reported he then commented on her appearance and followed her at about 8.45am on Friday.
The suspect then told the youngster that he knew where she lived before crossing the road and leaving.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are appealing for the public's help to identify the man in this CCTV image in connection with an ongoing investigation.
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“If you know who he is, or have any further information, please contact us.”
The worrying encounter has prompted Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor to warn residents to remain vigilant.
“This kind of behaviour is utterly disgraceful, it is unacceptable and if you are ever approached by someone behaving like this I suggest you immediately go to the police,” he said.
“Thankfully I think incidents such as this are quite a rare occurrence, I do think generally we are quite a safe town but that does make this feel more distressing.”
Mr Kirkby-Taylor urged residents to keep an eye on their friends and call out any unwelcome behaviour.
He added: “There are far too many social groups which have someone who everyone else knows is a little dodgy.
“It is our collective responsibility to step up to them and have difficult conversations to tackle this issue at its root.
“It is when we start telling people what isn’t acceptable that things will begin to change.”
If you can help the police’s investigation into this incident, you should call 101 and cite incident 537 of October 7.
Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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