The youngster managed to wriggle free and run home after he was targeted while playing with his eight-year-old brother and another boy, also six.
One of the men tried to drag him off the street while an accomplice opened the back doors of a dirty white van.
The victim and his brother screamed as he broke free from the kidnapper’s grasp and fled.
Their dad put a post on Facebook alerting other parents, which has been shared 21,000 times.
He said: “With the police and through the power of social media we will catch you.”
The dad told his local paper both sons have been “a bit quiet” since it happened and hailed the eight-year-old a “hero”.
He said: “He screamed for his brother. He pretty much saved him because the guy then let go of him and ran away.”
Police have stepped up patrols on the Briar Road Estate in Harold Hill, Essex, since the attempted abduction on Harebell Way on Saturday afternoon.
Detectives appealed for information on the two suspects, who are both in their 30s.
The first man is described as white, bald with short facial stubble. He was wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers.
The second man is described as white with brown hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt.
A man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident but was released without charge.
Det Chief Insp Denise Johnson said: “High visibility patrols have been increased in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
“I would always ask parents to remind children about the importance of not talking to or going with strangers.”
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