Parents are being warned to take extra care after a man asked a nine-year-old if he wanted to be taken home.
The incident happened as the youngster walked his dog in a wooded area in Tiptree.
He was approached by the trench coat-wearing stranger but refused the offer, told his mother and she called police.
Colin Stiff, of Colchester police, warned parents of children who lived in the area to be careful and not to let them go alone to secluded areas.
He appealed for anyone who recognised a description of the man to call the police.
He said: "This has serious implications and we would ask anyone with information to call this police station."
The man was about 32 with a small moustache, stubble and brown hair, which was curly just above his ears.
He was wearing a long trench coat, a red and white rugby shirt, blue jeans and may have had black shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111
Published Friday, January 31, 2003
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