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18:42 27/04/2023
Detectives issue an update regarding an investigation into an incident which took place in Long Lane, Grays, at 7.15am on Wednesday 26 April.
A girl reported being approach by a man in a black van who then tried to bring her into his vehicle.
Thankfully, she was not harmed and was able to leave the area.
Officers have spoken to the girl and carried out a number of enquiries. We have eliminated any involvement of a black van as part of our investigation.
We will continue to investigate the circumstances around the incident.
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 online or by using our Live Chat service.
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Alternatively you can call us on 101.
To find out more about the different reporting services visit our 'Help Us Help You' webpage.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Please refrence incident 237 of 26 April when giving any information to make sure it gets to the right people as quickly as possible.
We’re investigating an incident which took place in Long Lane, Grays, at 7.15am this morning, Wednesday 26 April.
A girl reported being approach by a man in a black van, who then tried to bring her into his vehicle.
Thankfully, she was not harmed and was able to leave the area.
We’re now investigating the circumstances around the incident and officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and viewing CCTV in the area.
At this stage, no arrests have been made.
Temporary Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said:
“I know this incident will cause the community concern. We are investigating the incident and have specific resources focusing on this to identify the vehicle and person involved. I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.
“There will be a visible policing presence in the area this afternoon and during school collection and pick up in the coming days.
"I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to the officers there; they are there to help the community."
We need anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or doorbell footage of it to get in touch.