ESSEX Police are investigating a series of incidents where a man has approached people with babies and removed their dummies.

There have been four incidents reported to us between 10 February and 7 August in the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road, and Cooks Spinney areas.

On one occasion a child was also assaulted.

The description of the man involved has consistently been a slim white man in his 20s light/light-brown coloured eyes, and yellow teeth.

A police spokesperson said: “We’re releasing an image of a man we want to identify in connection with the incident and while you cannot see his face, we’re hoping people will recognise his clothing – a black hooded top and carrying a black Nike bag with a white logo.

“We need anyone who recognises this man or has seen someone matching the description acting suspiciously to contact us.

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, District Commander for Harlow, said: “This is a series of unusual incidents and, as a parent myself, I understand the level of concern they will cause”.

“However, I want to reassure the people of Harlow that we have detectives dedicated to investigating these incidents, have linked previous incidents, and my teams will be visible out in the community to provided reassurance.

“I would urge you to continue going about your daily business as usual but be vigilant of anyone acting suspiciously.

“I need anyone who has information or recognises this person to contact us.

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111”.