MOTORISTS are being urged to be vigilant after a man was reportedly seen attempting to gain access to vehicles in Colchester.

Essex Police officers have launched an investigation into an incident of vehicle interference in the East Street area of the city.

According to the force a man, described as being white and wearing a dark parka jacket with a blue hooded top, tried to open a van door and a car boot.

The man, who was also wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, is believed to have been spotted at about 4.25am on November 11.

The Gazette has only just been made aware of the incident after the police launched an appeal for witnesses, asking anyone who saw anything to come forward.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am and 9pm.

“Alternatively, you can call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote crime reference 42/273237/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”