Police have released an e-fit image of a man who tried to talk a nine-year-old girl into going over to his vehicle before grabbing her.
The accosting took place in Maldon Road, near the Jubilee recreation ground, around 1.40pm on Sunday.
The girl was approached by the man who grabbed hold of her, but she managed to free herself and ran off.
He is described as white, aged in his 30s, with dark curly hair, driving a clean black 4x4 type vehicle that had a wheel on the back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DI Kevin Shannon at the Chelmsford serious crime team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.
