POLICE are warning parents to be on their guard after a man attempted to abduct a 13-year-old girl in Aylesford, near Maidstone. The schoolgirl was walking along a footpath in Station Road when she was accosted by the man.

He drove past her in a white medium-sized van before pulling over and approaching her. He threatened her and tried to drag her into the van. But as he reached into the back of the vehicle to look for something, the girl was able to struggle free and make her escape. She was not injured.

It is believed the man drove off towards Aylesford village. Maidstone and Malling Police spokeswoman Gianna Pollero said: "We want everyone to be vigilant and be aware of anything suspicious or anybody acting suspiciously."

The man is described aged between 20 and 25, 5ft 10ins, stocky and with short, spiky, dark hair. He had a pointed nose and watery, bloodshot eyes. He wore a padded fleece top, dark trousers and white trainers with an orange Nike logo along the side.

The incident comes two weeks after an attempted abduction of an 11-year-old girl in Sutton Road, Maidstone - although police are not linking the two cases. The suspect in the Maidstone incident was much older.

Anyone who has information about the latest incident is asked to call Det Con Rachel Freeman on 01622 608182