CONCERNED residents reported seeing a man acting inappropriately near a playground.

Police have launched an appeal for information following the incident, which took place near to a play area at the recreation ground in Newbiggen Street, Thaxted, at around 5pm on Wednesday, June 5.

The man has been described as Asian, aged between 35 and 40, with a beard.

He was wearing all black clothes and a brown hat.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We have no information that any child was approached.

"We are also advising members of the public not to take matters into their own hands but to report any information about the incident to us."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/88288/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.