ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in Harlow where a 14-year-old girl was followed by a man. Between 8.30am and 8.40am on Friday, June 17, the girl was followed from Church Langley to Potter Street by a man she did not know.

The man is described as white, around 40 years old, of stocky build, with a local accent. He wore a black zip up hooded top and dark jeans. The hood was up.

He tried to talk to the girl on a footpath between Hadley Grange and Potter Street before grabbing her shoulder and stroking her hair when they reached the underpass between Carters Mead and Nicholls Field. He then left.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone acting suspiciously matching the man’s description should call Pc Simon Wales at Harlow police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.