A MOTHER is warning schoolchildren to be vigilant after a suspicious man tried to persuade her daughter to get in his van.

Ella Johnstone, 13, was walking home from a homework club at the Gilberd School, in Brinkley Lane, Colchester, when a white van pulled up beside her in Titus Way.

The driver called to Ella to ask if she wanted a lift at around 4.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.

When she said no, the man started shouting "get in the car" at the Year Eight pupil, who ran home.

Ella's mother, Joanne Bonnett, arrived home shortly after and immediately reported the incident to the school and then police.

The man, who was wearing glasses, was driving a small white van with writing on the side and a ladder on the roof.

Ella described the man as appearing drunk and he carried on driving down the road, towards Gavin Way, after the incident.

Joanne, who lives in Mile End, said: "Ella was very shaken.

"She said, 'mum, what would you do if someone told you to get in their car?' and started crying.

"I told her she wasn't in trouble - I told her she had done the right thing.

"He shouted at her to get in the car and she ran all the way home - she was thinking he was going to pull up again."

She added: "I keep on thinking what would have happened if she wasn't so sensible and I hadn't drummed it into her.

"People can't go around doing this to young kids."

The Gilberd School sent out a warning message to all parents yesterday.

A spokesman for the police confirmed they were contacted with reports of concern about the occupant of a white van.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact police at Colchester on 101.