A MAN attempted to kidnap another man in an early evening attack. 

The 36-year-old victim was confronted by another man in London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, on Monday.

After the man made a "indecent suggestion", he tried to force the victim into a nearby dark-coloured stationary van with a sliding side door.

The victim managed to break free during the incident at about 6pm and ran away along Western Road towards Warrior Square railway station.

He then ran through the nearby side streets to return to London Road before getting a taxi to return home.

Detective Inspector Jon Gillings, of Hastings investigations, said: "This appears to have been a isolated attack, but we are currently treating it as an attempted kidnap.  

"The suspect is described as white, 5'8", clean shaven with dark eyes and an East European accent. He was wearing a black baseball cap and appeared to have shaven hair on the side of his head.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, who noticed a dark van acting suspiciously or being driven at speed, or indeed anybody who may have other information about this incident.”

Anyone able to help is urged to contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 1122 of 21/10.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.