A 12-year-old girl was left so traumatised by a man who exposed himself and followed her she kept the horrendous experience secret for a week.

The youngster, who lives in Pitsea, was walking to Chalvedon School in Wickford Avenue when the man struck on Tuesday last week.

Her mum said yesterday: "She usually walks to school with a friend but she was a little bit late that morning so was on her own.

"She had just reached the park near Northlands School when this man appeared and indecently exposed himself to her.

"She walked quickly away but he followed her all the way to the school gates.

"The poor little thing was so terrified she didn't tell anyone. We didn't find out until a family friend told us she had missed school on Monday and Tuesday this week.

"It took us ages to get it out of her, but it turned out she didn't have anyone to walk with and was so frightened she played truant."

The mother said she and the family had realised something was up with the 12-year-old over the last few days but couldn't persuade her to tell them what it was.

She said: "Her nan even tried to speak to her on Friday but she wouldn't tell her either. You see, she felt she had done something wrong although of course she didn't.

"She definitely feels better now she's told us - you can see the change."

The mum added: "The most frightening thing is not that he exposed himself but that he followed her afterwards. I felt so helpless when I found out. You try to protect your children and think they are safe but something like this makes you think 'what if'."

The man, who is described as having a heavy build and wearing a checked shirt and a baseball cap, struck on Tuesday morning before 9am.

If you have any information which would help police please call Basildon officers on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Detectives are hunting a youth who indecently exposed himself to a woman walking in Basildon's Gloucester Park.

The victim was on foot near the Nicholas roundabout when the man approached her before midday on Tuesday.

He was aged 16 to 18 years and was wearing a black jacket and black trousers and his hair was cropped.

If you can help please call Basildon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers, above.

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