Police have revealed descriptions of the four men who attempted to abduct a schoolgirl in Harold Hill on Wednesday morning.

The four men were driving a grey army camouflage patterned 4x4 style vehicle when they tried to snatch the 11-year-old victim in North Hill Drive just after 8am as she travelled to school.

A police spokeswoman confirmed no physical contact was made with the victim.

The driver of the vehicle is described as a white man in his mid 30s with brown hair.

The front seat passenger was also white and in his 30s and described to be of medium build, bald headed and with a mole on the left side of his face. He was wearing a brown t-shirt.

Two men were also sat in the rear of the vehicle and one was described as black.

Det Ch Insp Denise Johnson, from Havering CID, said: “I would always ask parents to remind children about the importance of not talking to or going with strangers.

“Equally, parents should ensure they are happy with their children’s whereabouts at all times.”

Schools have been on high alert all week and have warned parents to ensure their children do not walk to school alone.

A spokesman from Drapers’ Brookside Junior School said: “Safety for all our pupils is absolutely paramount and we have taken all steps to ensure our pupils, parents and the local community are both informed and vigilant.

“The pupil involved in the incident is safe and with her family. As a school we are in close contact with the family and we will do all we can to help her through this time.

“The pupil involved in incident should be applauded for how she handled this potentially dangerous situation.”

Police are conducting enquires and would like the occupants or owner of this vehicle to come forward to assist police in their investigation.

They ask if anyone has information regarding the distinctive vehicle or the incident they call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.