A CONCERNED mother today issued a warning to parents after a man tried to lure her 13-year-old daughter into his car.

Josh Warwick

A CONCERNED mother today issued a warning to parents after a man tried to lure her 13-year-old daughter into his car.

Jessica Green's daughter Cherish was walking home from the shops in Hadleigh when a man in a burgundy Ford Escort pulled alongside the teenager and asked “inappropriate questions”.

When Mrs Green, 38, who had been a few steps ahead of Cherish, turned to see what was happening, the man sped off.

The ordeal took place in Angel Street at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Today, Mrs Green, of Timperley Road told of her shock and urged parents to remain vigilant.

“I think the man thought Cherish was on her own because she was walking behind me, so he quickly pulled over,” the mother-of-seven said.

“He saw the opportunity and he thought he would take it.

“When he caught sight of me, he looked so guilty and he raced off.

“Cherish was a bit scared. We don't tend to have trouble in Hadleigh and it's certainly unusual to have a man approaching young girls.

“It's important to make people aware that someone like this is around and for parents to take extra care.”

The man was about 40 years old, white but with a tanned complexion, of slim build and had short brown hair. He was wearing an Ipswich Town football shirt and had a local accent.

Mrs Green and Cherish, a Hadleigh High School student, have given statements to police.

Mrs Green said: “Cherish had no make up on and she was not wearing anything that was remotely revealing. She looked like a 13-year-old girl so there are no excuses for a man of 40 to be interested in her.”

Those who may have information on the incident are asked to call Pc Anne Hart at Hadleigh police on 01473 613500.

Have you or your children been subjected to a similar approach? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk