POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a girl was approached by two men in a car.

The 12-year-old was standing in an alleyway off Ashdon Close, South Ockendon, at 4.20pm on Thursday January 12.

A silver car, the make and model of which is unknown, pulled alongside her and the driver told her to wait and he would return.

A short time later, the car returned and the driver asked the victim her age.

When she told him, he drove off.

The driver and the front passenger were both described as black. The driver was believed to be aged about 25, had a beard and wore a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Scott Thomas at Grays Police Station on 101.