A NURSE has taken to social media to warn others about a man who tried to force himself into her Thorpe Bay home.

Tina Brookes, who lives in Bishopsteignton, received an unexpected knock at the door on Monday morning.

Warning other Thorpe Bay residents, she wrote on Facebook: “Be aware. I live on Bishopsteignton and a man has just tried to push his way into my house.

“The man told me he was looking for someone but he didn’t know who.

“He then asked to use the phone and tried to push into the house.

“Please be aware as I felt I have had a lucky escape. Don’t open the door to strangers.”

Ms Brookes described the suspect as white with brown facial hair.

He had a hat on and darkish clothes - and is believed to be aged in his mid 20s.

She added: “He was holding some rolling tobacco and a paper bill. The rolling tobacco was being held out and looked like it had something in it.”

The warning attracted more than 160 comments on Facebook with 1,000 shares across the platform.

Residents expressed concern at the safety of the community given the nature of this incident.

Monica Howard, who lives in the area, said: “What a worry this is. Someone could be in real trouble and knock on our doors but I for one would be too scared to open it after all I’ve heard about recently.

“It is just so very sad the way our world is going.

“The police are so inundated with all these social problems - and the mountain of paperwork involved - that they haven’t got the time or more importantly the authority to deal with much these days.”

The community is now hoping to set up it’s own neighbourhood watch after several concerns were raised.

Elliott Jacobs, 39, who works in education, lives in the area and came up with the idea after discussing safety concerns with his partner.

Mr Jacobs said: “We are expecting our child within the week so safety is at the forefront of our minds at the moment.

“I proposed making a group on Facebook and then we can discuss issues, share tips and work out a local meet up for residents who are willing to attend.

“I am also hoping to involve local police as well.”

If you live in Thorpe Bay and would like to be involved in the neighbourhood watch search Safety in Numbers Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness on Facebook to join the group.

Essex Police were unable to confirm any details about the incident but anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101.

Or you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.