EXTRA patrols have been launched after two men in a van offered to give a nine-year-old girl a lift to school.

The girl was approached in Artillery Street, Colchester, by men in a large silver-grey van at 8.25am last Tuesday.

She was offered a lift, but ran to school.

Police searched the area but could not trace the area.

Additional patrols have been carried out around teh town's schools, while staff have been given details of the vehicle.

Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer Pc Lindsey Mason or her colleagues at Colchester Neighbourhood Crime Team on 101.

See Tuesday's Gazette for the full story.