Police are appealing for help to find a man suspected of accosting a 13-year-old girl in Dunmow.

The girl was walking across the recreation ground in Church Street when she was grabbed on the wrist by a man at about 8am on Wednesday, May 21.

The girl was unhurt after punching the man in the chest, releasing his grip from her and running away.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, of average build, with collar-length straight black hair, a black beard and moustache, big eyes and a flat-ended nose

He was wearing a black v-neck t-shirt, light green trousers with pockets on the side, black boots and was aged around 40. He smelt of cigarettes.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured should contact Ds Pete McCormack at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.