A school has warned parents and pupils to be vigilant after a woman said a man tried to abduct her.

The Braintree woman, aged in her 20s, told police he tried to lure her into his van as she walked alone in the dark in Beckers Green Road, in the town, near Beckers Green Primary School and Braintree Rugby Club, last Monday at 8pm.

A 45-year-old from east London was arrested on Thursday but later released without charge.

Honywood Community Science School in Coggeshall sent a letter to parents after the woman’s mum alerted the school, because she has another daughter who is a pupil there.

The letter read: “I would like you all to remain vigilant and mindful of your personal safety whilst in the Braintree area."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.