A STRANGER tried to snatch an 11-year-old boy on his way to school.

The incident took place outside Old Heath Primary School, in Colchester, shortly before 8.45am this morning. 

Police say a man wearing a black jacket and carrying an orange rucksack grabbed the boy’s arm and asked where he was going.

As the boy pulled away, the incident was spotted by a nearby parent who approached the man and the shaken boy.

As the parent got closer, the man, thought to be about 5” 10ins, left the area.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are investigating reports that a man tried to grab an 11-year-old boy in Old Heath Road, Colchester this morning.

"The man approached the boy, at the junction of Abbot's Road and Old Heath Road, at around 8.40am.

"He stopped in front of the boy and asked him where he was going.

"The boy tried to move past the man, who then tried to grab his sleeve.

"The boy was able to run away and, although very shaken, he was not physically harmed."

Police say the man is white and aged between 35 and 45 years old and had grey scruffy hair.

He had stubble and was wearing a black coat which had a hood. He was also carrying an orange backpack.

The force spokesman added: "We are in the early stages of the investigation, and would like to reassure people that this is currently being treated as an isolated incident."

Anyone with information should contact Colchester Local Policing Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The school has sent a note to all parents urging them to be extra vigilant during drop-off and pick up times. 

READ MORE: Boy, 10, approached on way to school 

The warning comes days after a ten-year-old boy was approached on his way to Stanway Fiveways Primary School.

That incident took place at about 8.30am on Thursday, in Robin Crescent.

Police have previously appealed for anyone with information to call 101.