A SCHOOLGIRL felt threatened and shaken after two men in a white van followed her.

The Year Nine pupil, from Billericay, was approached by the men in a dirty white Transit van while she was walking to school.

She crossed Western Road and turned into Wakefield Avenue where the men drove towards her. She stepped aside to let the van pass.

The van passed her, then reversed and drew up alongside her. The van followed her and the two men made comments to her that made her feel threatened.

The incident, which took place at about 8.15am on Thursday, prompted Billericay schools to issue a warning to parents and guardians.

A statement by Ramsden Hall Academy, in Heath Road, read: “The girl was very shaken and does not know exactly what the men were saying, but she felt very threatened. She then entered Lion Lane and the van drove off.

“The men spoke in a foreign accent. The van was white, but she did not notice anything written on the side of it.”

Phil Turner, Conservative councillor for Billericay West, and a father of three, strongly urged parents and students to be extra careful especially during the winter.

He said: “It’s particularly dangerous in the winter because it gets dark early. Fortunately these incidents don’t happen a lot in Billericay, but it still causes a scare. That’s why it’s important to get the message out there to remind parents and students to be vigilant.

“When my children were old enough to walk to school, of course I was worried for them but I wanted to give them the freedom and independence. I didn’t want to wrap them up in cotton wool.”

Mr Turner advised students to take precautions if they find themselves in danger.

He said: “If you’re in danger, go and knock on your nearest neighbour’s door, make some noise. Don’t be afraid to do it.

“If you can, take in any description of the person, what they were driving or a car number plate.

“You can arrange to walk in groups, but if you live in more isolated areas remember to take note of the areas you walk through. Because you can use them as escape routes.”