A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of abducting a teenager.

Police are appealing for information to help find teenager Martel Lilly who has been missing since Thursday.

Martel, who is 16, was last seen on a bicycle at around 4.20pm on Thursday.

He was seen being put into the back of a car which then drove off.

Martel’s bike was left at the scene and has been recovered.

A black Ford Focus was recovered on Friday.

A 29 year-old man from Canvey Island was arrested on suspicion of abduction and is currently in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Smith said: “I believe Martel may have been taken against his will and it is really important we find him and make sure his OK.

“Martel is known to be very active on social media and it maybe that his friends have been in contact with him or have messaged him, particularly on Facebook Messenger or Snapchat.

“I need anyone who has been in contact with him or knows where he is to come forward.

“I believe this was a targeted incident and there is no risk to the wider public.”

Martel was last seen in The Grove, Clacton, on Thursday.

Anyone with any information about Martel’s whereabouts or any more information about the incident is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.