Man driving fake Royal Mail van attempts to abduct two children in north Essex

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Police are calling for witnesses after a man driving a red van attempted to accost two young girls in Black Notley.


Police received reports that a van disguised as a Royal Mail vehicle pulled up alongside two girls, both aged under 10, in Mary Ruck Way at around 6.15pm yesterday, Tuesday, April 24.

The driver asked the girls to get inside and attempted to drag one of them into the vehicle before the pair managed to run away and raise the alarm.

Police conducted a search of the town but were unable to locate the vehicle.

The van is described as red with what the victims suggested was an unofficial Royal Mail logo displayed on the side.

The man in question is believed to be in his 30s or 40s, with a distinctive tattoo of a skull and crossbones with a red slash across it on his right hand.

He is said to have been wearing a black hooded jacket and a baseball cap under his hood, along with dark glasses.

Detective Inspector Rob Kirby of Braintree CID said: “These incidents are rare, and we understand that this can raise concern in the local community.

“The girls did exactly the right thing by running to a place of safety and letting someone know what had happened to them.

“We are investigating to establish the circumstances of this incident, and are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and trace any vehicles that may have been involved.

“We want to reassure everyone that we always take reports like this very seriously. We would urge any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage to call 101 and speak to us. Our reference number for this incident is 935 of 24/04.

“Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”