A woman claimed her wrist was grabbed and held on to “for a few seconds” after being approached by a man in Hornchurch, police have said. 

Additional patrols were introduced in the town centre after footage circulating on social media appeared to show two men try and lead the woman down the alley between Nando’s and The Fatling pub on the evening of February 7. 

A Met Police spokesperson has now confirmed that routine patrols have been reinstated, though the area continues to be monitored by officers. 

They said the incident was not reported to the police, but instead posted online by a third party. 

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In a recent update, they added: “Officers traced and spoke with the alleged victim who confirmed that she was not harmed, and that one of two males approached her and took her arm at the wrist holding it for a few seconds.

"She released her arm and left the alleyway. She was not led away at any point and did not wish to make a police report.” 

Anyone who is concerned or thinks that they may have been approached by these people should contact the police on 101, or tweet @MetCC quoting 5402516/23.