Police investigating a series of incidents where dummies were allegedly taken from children have arrested a man.

Essex Police opened an investigation last week following a series of reports of a man approaching people with babies and removing their dummies, the force said in a statement.

The alleged incidents happened in Harlow between 10 February and 7 August at the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road and Cooks Spinney areas.

Essex Police’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 23-year-old man while making enquiries in the town on Monday, the force said.

The man was held on suspicion of theft from a person, robbery and using threatening behaviour to cause alarm or distress.

He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Austin said: “This is a series of unusual incidents and, as a parent myself, I understand the level of concern they will cause.

“However, I want to reassure the people of Harlow that we have detectives dedicated to investigating these incidents, have linked previous incidents, and my teams will be visible out in the community to provide reassurance.”

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