POLICE are investigating and warning messages have been sent to parents of schoolchildren across Grays after an attempt to abduct a child today.

The incident took place in Long Lane at 7.15am this morning (Wednesday, 26 April).

A statement from Essex Police says: "A girl reported being approach by a man in a black van, who then tried to bring her into his vehicle.

"Thankfully, she was not harmed and was able to leave the area.

"We're now investigating the circumstances around the incident and officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and viewing CCTV in the area.

"At this stage, no arrests have been made."

Temporary Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "I know this incident will cause the community concern.

"We are investigating the incident and have specific resources focusing on this to identify the vehicle and person involved. I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.

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"There will be a visible policing presence in the area this afternoon and during school collection and pick up in the coming days.

"I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to the officers there; they are there to help the community."

The headteacher of William Edwards Secondary School, who is also executive head of nearby Orsett Heath Academy, sent out this message to parents today: "We are writing to notify you of a serious incident that occured in the local community before school this morning.

"A pupil who attends another Trust school was approached and grabbed by an unknown male.

"Fortunately she was able to run off and report it immediately to the school.

"Essex Police have attended and are investigating.

"The school has been in close liason with Essex Police, the local authority and the family of the pupil.

"If your child makes their own way to school, can I please ask you to remind them of how to stay safe in the community and the importance of awareness of their surroundings."

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The other schools in the South West Essex Community Education Trust in the Grays area where the incident occured include Deneholm Primary and Stifford Clays Primary.

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or doorbell footage of it to get in touch.

A police statement says: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Live Chat is an online service available on our website Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.

"To use the service, select the 'Live Chat' icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

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"Please refrence incident 237 of 26 April when giving any information to make sure it gets to the right people as quickly as possible." 

The incident follows recent public concern about men attempting to abduct children in the area, whcih gained high profile following the social media intervention of TV actor Bill Murray.

Police gave a low key response to his message and the story from his daughter about how she feared her children might have been the target of potential abductors.

However, police did step up their presence in Orsett where that incident occured.