Police looking for man suspected of trying to lure children in Bloomfield, NJ

BLOOMFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Authorities are investigating after a man allegedly tried to lure a group of children in New Jersey.

According to the Essex County Sheriff's Department, a man on foot who said he was a police officer approached a group of children -- three 12-year-olds and two 11-year-olds -- in Brookfield Park at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday in Bloomfield.

He was in civilian clothing, not a uniform.

At some point, authorities say he said to one of the children something to the effect of, "I'm going to throw you in the van." The children then ran off and told their parents, who contacted police.

The children did not see a van, as the man apparently approached them on foot.

Investigators canvassed the area and will be trying to put together a sketch of the suspect.

One of the children said the man was heavyset and appeared to be in his 50s.

There is added police presence and new security cameras around the scene and park entrances.