Essex Police are appealing for information about two incidents which detectives in Basildon think could be linked.

A woman in her 50s was the victim of an attempted robbery near Salcott Crescent, Wickford, at around 5.20pm on Monday, January 15.

The victim was walking down the road when she saw a white man in his 20s near to a bus stop.

The man started to follow her and then grabbed her, it is believed in an attempt to steal money.

The woman screamed and the man left the scene.

The man was described as slim, around 5ft9ins tall and had dark hair. He was wearing an anorak and had earphones in.

At around the same time, we received a call detailing that a man with a similar description, had been seen acting suspiciously near an address in Lennox Drive.

The witness believed that the man was attempting to enter the address via an open door, but left when it became apparent that he was being watched.

Dc Rob Lewis from Basildon CID, said: “The incident near Salcott Crescent was distressing and we believe it was opportunistic.

“The victim who was grabbed by the man was obviously shaken although thankfully physically unharmed. We have been to see her to ensure her welfare and take an account of what happened.

“We are exploring the possibility that the man seen near to Lennox Drive may have been the same person who was near to Salcott Crescent.

“No similar reports have been made since, and although we want people in Wickford to be vigilant, we don’t wish to cause unnecessary panic.

"Our officers are conducting house to house enquiries as part of our investigation, so please let them know if you have information which can help.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Basildon CID on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.