Mothers and teenagers are determined not to be “beaten by fear” after a girl was nearly snatched from a street.

The 15-year-old was walking along Hartforde Road, in Borehamwood, at 6.50pm last Friday when a small white car stopped beside her.

Two men got out of the car, approached the teenager and began speaking to her. One man grabbed the girl by the wrist and she began screaming and shouting, telling him to get off.

The pair got back into the car and fled as the girl continued to shout at them.

No arrests have been made but police are urging anyone who may have seen what happened or have any information to come forward.

Meanwhile mothers of teenagers say they are determined to continue giving their teenage daughters freedom, despite the attack.

Sally Corrodus, who has a daughter, 16-year-old Hattie, said: “It does worry me, but you can’t wrap your teenager up in cotton wool. That’s not healthy for anyone.

“It was a scary incident but there isn’t much you can do. I’ve sat down and told her what to do if someone approaches her so she knows.

“I won’t be beaten by fear.”

Mother Hazel Van-Straten said all teenagers should be given rape or panic alarms to help them feel more secure around the town.

The 59-year-old said: “My daughter has been carrying a rape alarm since she started high school a few years ago. It can’t hurt.

“Perhaps the Government should fund a scheme where all girls – and boys – are given panic alarms.

“It would almost be like a safety blanket and give them added protection should they need it, while reassuring the parents.”

Others are determined that Borehamwood does not earn a “bad” reputation and say it is still a safe place to be.

Lucy Hall, 19, said: “I’ve never really been an anxious person and always been comfortable walking down the streets, especially in Borehamwood.

“This hasn’t changed that – I have no intention of changing my ways though I may look over my shoulder a bit and be a bit more cautious.

“It’s a safe place. Something like this could happen anywhere, it’s not exclusive to Borehamwood.”

The man who approached the girl is described as white, in his 30s, with a tan, short brown hair, blue eyes and a large nose.

He was seen wearing a white polo style T-shirt with a beige army style shorts.

The men were reported to be speaking a foreign language, possibly French.

The driver of the vehicle is described as having short brown hair.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Dave Smith, from the Borehamwood Local Crime Unit, said: “Incidents of this nature are very rare in Hertfordshire and we are taking the report seriously.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw anything to please get in touch as soon as possible.

"Were you one of the members of the public who heard a girl cry out? Any information you can provide, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could help with my enquiries.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Sgt Smith on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.