POLICE have ruled out reports that a man spotted near Colchester barracks is one of the two wanted in connection with an attempted abduction at an RAF base.

Essex Police have confirmed a man spotted in Layer Road, Colchester, this morning is not one of the men in the eFit released by Norfolk Police.

It follows the attempted abduction of a serviceman at RAF Marham base in Norfolk on July 20.

Attempts were made to pull the man into a car during the July 20 attempt but the man managed to escape after headbutting one of the two suspects.

A spokesman said: "Police were contacted shortly before 9am today, Friday July 29, with reports of a man seen in Layer Road Colchester who was thought to resemble the man depicted in the efit issued by Norfolk Constabulary in relation to the attempted abduction of a serviceman at RAF Marham. 

"Essex Police have been working with Norfolk Police who has confirmed that the sighting was not of the man in the efit."

Meanwhile Norfolk Police have tweeted to say they have liased with Essex Police about "rumours of suspect sighting in Colchester" and are satifised it is not connected to the incident at RAF Marham.

It is believed soldiers at the Colchester barracks were instructed to change out of their uniforms and leave the site after reports came in today.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "Security of our bases is set according to the current threat level, the safety of our personnel remains paramount at all times and for that reason threat levels are constantly monitored.

"We would not wish to compromise the safety of our troops by revealing details of our security procedures."

Colchester's MP Will Quince tweeted to say: "Please be vigilant Colchester and report any suspicious behaviour to the Police."

More to follow.