A MAN tried to snatch a girl as she walked to school in Basildon – the second similar incident in a matter of weeks.

The girl was walking along Timberlog Lane, headed for Greensted Junior School, in nearby Kirby Road, when she noticed a white van driving slowly behind her.

The man at the wheel later tried to get the youngster to climb into the van, but she ran away.

The school has sent messages to all parents urging them to be “extra-vigilant” after the incident, while police are appealing for witnesses.

One mum, who did not want to be named, said: “A lot of older children have started walking to school on their own, especially those who are going to start at secondary in September, so it’s really scary.

“Luckily, this girl had the sense not to go over to the car, but ran away instead. It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened.

“You want to give your children more independence when they get to a certain age, but I think a lot of parents are going to be wary now, especially as this is the second incident of this kind in quite a short space of time.

“The school has been really good keeping us informed, but making sure there isn’t too much panic.”

Byron Taylor, Labour councillor for Vange ward, said the incident was worrying for parents.

He added: “We need to pull together as a community and not just look out for our own children, but other children, too.

“I hope the police are going to increase their patrols in the area."

The suspect is a white man with shoulder-length curly hair.

The incident, at about 8.30am on Tuesday – less than two months after two girls, aged nine and 11, were followed in a blue car, then chased on foot as they made their way to the same school.

The pair were unharmed, but badly shaken.

Headteacher Melanie Gaskin said: “Police are investigating the incident and all parents have been informed.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.