Police are appealing for people to name a man depicted in an efit image suspected of accosting a 13-year-old girl in Dunmow.
The girl, who was from the area, was walking across the recreation ground in Church Street when she was grabbed on the wrist by a man.
The man only released his grip and ran away when the girl punched him in the chest. She was unhurt.
The incident happened at about 8am on May 21.
He is described as white, around 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, of average build, with collar-length straight black hair, a black beard and moustache, big eyes, a flat-ended nose, wearing a black v-neck t-shirt, light green trousers with pockets on the side, black boots and was aged around 40.
He smelt of cigarettes.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured should contact Ds Pete McCormack at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
