A 14-year-old was left in a state of shock when a man grabbed her and exposed himself as she walked home in Billericay.

But police yesterday said there was no obvious link to two similar incidents in the town on Tuesday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 20.

The man, who was described as short and fat, attacked the teenager in broad daylight in an alleyway leading from Stock Road to Dukes Farm Close on Friday afternoon.

He was about 5ft 4in, aged in his 40s and was fat with a round face. He had dark brown hair which was thinning at the front and he was clean shaven.

He was wearing dark grey or black trousers and a light-coloured shirt.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw something suspicious or who can help us trace this man."

If you have information about the indecent assault, which happened at about 5.30pm, call Det Con Nick Thompson or Det Con Alex Deacon at Wickford CID on 01268 532212, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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