Officers are looking for a man who reportedly approached people with babies in public places and removed their dummies in a bizarre series of incidents.
Essex Police have been told of four such incidents taking place between February 10 and August 7, in Harlow’s Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road, and Cooks Spinney areas.
The force added that, on one occasion, a child was also assaulted.
According to descriptions provided to police, the man involved is slim, white, and in his 20s, with light or light-brown coloured eyes, and yellow teeth.
Essex Police have released an image of a man they are looking to identify in connection with the incidents, in the hopes that someone might recognise his clothing.
Essex PoliceIn the picture, the man is wearing a black hooded top and carrying a black Nike bag with a white logo.
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.”
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