A teenage girl was grabbed by a man as she walked to school in Westcliff.

She was walking along London Road at about 8.40am on Friday when her arm was gripped by a stranger who said: "Where are you going babe?"

The terrified victim pulled away and crossed the road, getting to school safely.

The man is about 30 years old, 5ft 6ins tall and has greasy black hair brushed back.

He was wearing a jacket which was dark blue at the top and grey at the bottom, blue jeans and carried a yellow folder.

Anyone with information should contact Southend police on 01702 431212.

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

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