COPS have launched an urgent probe after a young girl was “approached” by a man in a city centre.

Police made the appeal after the incident took place in Colchester, Essex, just after 4pm on August 29.

CCTV image of a man police wish to speak to.The man was seen in a dark coat and grey trousers CCTV image of a man police wish to speak to.Cops want to speak to him as a witness

The force have since released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to.

Police say they have an “open mind” about the report and are looking to speak to the man pictured as a witness.

A spokesman said: “We’d like to speak to this man as part of an investigation in Colchester.

“We believe he may have information which is useful to our investigation after a young girl reported being approached by a man in Queen Elizabeth Way, shortly after 4pm on Friday 29 August.

“It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk . Visit here to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively, you can call us on 101. Please cite crime reference 42/124884/25 in your report.