A DRIVER attempted to coax an 18-year-old woman into his car while she was walking home alone, sparking a police investigation.

The man, who was driving a grey Ford Focus, was spotted acting suspiciously in the Clay Hill Road area of Basildon.

The woman was close to Swan Mead at the time, while walking home from work, when the driver pulled alongside her and told her to get in the car.

The woman refused multiple times, before the driver left.

A relative of the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It makes people, especially women, feel even more uncomfortable travelling alone.

“Whether it’s daytime or not, whether you’re wearing your work uniform or revealing clothing, young or older, it is all irrelevant. Anyone can be targeted by these types of people. It also causes worry for the family and friends of those that are most often targeted.”

It comes after a spate of sex attacks in the borough earlier this year, while a man also exposed himself to a woman in woods near Lee Chapel Lane last month.

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David Harrison, chairman of the neighbourhoods and public spaces committee, said: “This sort of behaviour should not be taking place - full stop. I’ve got a daughter and I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone.

“It would have such an impact on those affected, the worst thing about it is it means that women and young girls feel they can’t trust any men after going through something like this.

“It’s very sad and it should not be like that at all, the people that do this sort of thing are just monsters who prey on them when they’re at their most vulnerable.

“I really hope there were witnesses or anyone in in the area who may be able to help, even with CCTV or doorbell footage.”

Mr Harrison urged residents to carry alarms.

Conservative councillor Craig Rimmer, added: “It sounds like this lady did exactly the right thing. Never accept rides from strangers.”

Anyone with information about the incident on Tuesday between 8pm and 8.45pm should call 101 quoting crime reference 42/83950/21.