A MAN tried to force a 17-year-old girl into a van as she was walking in a street in Laindon.

The teenager was walking along Holst Avenue just after 10pm yesterday when a white van pulled up alongside her.

The driver asked her for directions before the passenger got out, grabbed her, and tried to force her into the vehicle.

She managed to get away and was uninjured.

The driver is described as white, in his 40s, of large build, balding, with stubble and wearing a black/brown top underneath a sleeveless hi-visibility jacket.

The passenger is described as white, in his 20s, with blonde hair, dressed all in black, and wearing large shoes.

The girl has been safeguarded by officers.

Anyone who saw the incident, recognises the men, or has any information about it is asked to contact Ds Mike Wilkinson at Basildon police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.