Colchester girl approached by creepy van man

Terrie Guilder’s 15-year-old daughter was minding her own business while waiting for a bus in Bergholt Road, Colchester, at about 6.30pm last Saturday.

Shortly after arriving at the bus stop, a white van is said to have pulled over on the opposite side of the road before asking the youngster how old she was.

According to Terrie, the strange man then told her daughter to get inside his van before driving away when she strongly shut down his request.

Concern - Terrie Guilder, whose young daughter was approached by a man in a van in Colchester (Image: Public)

Eerily, however, the man returned just a few moments later, this time pulling up right next to the girl, before again instructing her to get in his van.

He then repeatedly asked her if she wanted a lift, doing so insistently while reportedly licking his lips.

Thankfully, on this occasion, the brave teen eventually managed to fend-off the man’s unwanted advances, but her mum says she has been left shaken by the ordeal.

“It is so wrong on all levels and I feel this person needs to be investigated so they do not do it again,” said Terrie, who has urged the public to “be careful".

“My daughter still feels unsafe and she does not want to leave the house on her own now – I don’t know why someone would want to make a child feel this way.

Terrie has since reported the shocking incident to Essex Police, who are now understood to be looking into it.

Scene - The encounter took place in Bergholt Road (Image: Newsquest)

The latest encounter comes after two teenage schoolgirls were approached by a suspicious-acting man in Colchester’s city centre.

The man in question was reported to have attempted to engage with the girls in what was described as an “inappropriate manner”.

Speaking at the time, David King, leader of Colchester Council, moved to reassure residents on the safety of the city.

He said: “It is an issue of concern for every parent and all residents to hear reports suggesting behaviour that alarms anyone of any sex in the city centre.

“But for most people most of the time Colchester is still a safe place to live and a good place to visit.

“All concerns raised by residents, however, will be taken seriously and acted upon with my full support.”

Essex Police has now launched an investigation into a report of accosting in relation to Terrie's daughter.

A spokesman said: "It was reported a white Ford Transit van pulled up alongside a 15-year-old girl.

"It was reported a man inside told her to get into the vehicle."

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 42/118193/23.