Extra police officers have been patrolling around schools in Colchester after a man allegedly attempted to abduct a child.

Officers from the Southern Neighbourhood Policing Team provided a high-visibility presence outside all the schools in the area, including Stanway, Colchester County High School for Girls, St Benedict's and Alderman Blaxill School yesterday.

The aim was to reassure parents, staff and pupils, but officers also used the opportunity to try and locate the car they believe was involved in Wednesday's incident.

A girl at Stanway School claimed a man invited her to get in his car in Winstree Road.

  • Anyone with any information is asked to call PC Joe Loftus, at Shrub End Police station, on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.