WARNINGS have been sent out to parents after a man tried to get a student into his white van.

The boy, 17, from Brentwood School, was approached in Chelmsford Road, Shenfield.

The driver at first asked the six-former for directions, then said “Would you like to jump in and show me the way?” to which the teenager said no.

The van drove off and the boy went home and told his mum what happened. She called the school who then alerted police.

The school has now issued a warning to parents about being vigilant, just in case the driver targets other youngsters.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “Brentwood School can confirm a student was approached by a white van driver as he walked home.

“The man, who spoke poor English, asked for directions and then requested the student accompany him on his journey.

“The student refused and reported the incident.

“As soon as the incident was brought to our attention, a warning message was sent out to all parents and the incident was reported to the police.”

Police were keen to add their own warning.

A force spokesman said: “The exact motive behind this incident is unknown.

“The 17-year-old boy did the right thing as he did not know the driver.”

No description of the culprit has been released. The incident happened at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, January 7.