Police are continuing to investigate reports a 10-year-old boy was accosted on his way to school.

The boy was walking along Mill Bridge on Monday morning at 8.30am when the incident happened.

It was reported a black Ford Focus Estate pulled up behind the boy and a man attempted to grab his rucksack.

The car, thought to be missing its front registration plate, is understood to have driven off in the direction of Weavers Court Industrial Estate.

Essex Police is still investigating the incident and is appealing for anyone with possible dashcam footage to come forward.

Police also confirmed that more officers have been deployed on the streets so as to reassure the public of its safety.

A spokesman said: “Officers have been working with the ten-year-old boy to establish what happened and are exploring avenues to verify the initial report.

“Officers continue to engage with schools and community groups with extra officer patrols having been put in place throughout the area.

“We haven’t received any further reports of approaches being made and continue to examine CCTV footage.”

The man was described by the victim as being black, of a muscular build and aged in his mid-30s. He had very short dark hair, glasses and blue eyes. He was wearing a black jumper, black trousers and black shoes.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree Police Station on 101.