DETECTIVES hunting a serial sex attacker in Clacton have released CCTV images.

Officers believe an attacker could be linked to 18 offences in Clacton and two in Colchester over the past four years.

As part of the investigation, detectives have now released CCTV of an incident on October 18 at 6.30pm, when a 14-year-old boy was approached by a man near an alleyway off Dudley Road, Clacton.

A man stopped the boy as he was walking home and invited him to walk into the alleyway with him. The man acted inappropriately and the boy ran off and alerted his parents.

The CCTV also shows a man run across Dudley Road into the path of oncoming cars. Officers want to trace the drivers of those cars.

Det Insp Leighton Hammett said: "I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV to contact us.

“Although it may not be the best quality, the man has a distinctive running style and we are keen to hear from drivers who may remember him running across the path of their car.

“We have also posted the footage of the Essex Police Facebook page and boosted the appeal to target people living in the Clacton and Colchester areas in the hope of reaching residents who may have information that could help progress our investigation.

"There have been no recorded incidents since October 26, however we are still carrying out police patrols in the area to provide reassurance but I would remind people to remain vigilant and speak to their children about stranger danger and the importance of telling someone if they are approached.”

The suspect is described as about 6ft tall, aged 40 to 60 and of stocky build with receding short brown or grey hair. He is thought to have a London accent and in other incidents has worn a black beanie hat and/or red Columbia ski jacket, a photo of which has been released.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV should call Clacton CID on 101.