November 28th 2024.
Police are recounting a frightening incident that occurred yesterday in Melbourne's north-west involving a 14-year-old girl. According to detectives, the young girl was walking along Spring Street in Tullamarine around 5:45 pm when an unknown man approached her. The man's behavior was described as "determined" as he asked the girl where she lived and urged her to get into his van.
Thankfully, the girl refused and quickly sought refuge at a nearby park where a group of people were gathered. Surveillance footage shows the man driving west on Spring Street before making a U-turn and heading east on Broadmeadows Road. The girl, understandably shaken, walked home and informed her mother, who immediately contacted the police.
"This is a very distressing and alarming incident," said Leading Senior Constable Grace Botterill. "The girl is understandably frightened as she is still young and vulnerable." The suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man in his 50s with a thick accent and grey hair. He was seen driving a white van. Police have released CCTV footage and images of a white Toyota HiAce with black roof racks in hopes of identifying the suspect.
This incident comes just a week after an 11-year-old boy was also approached by an unknown man in the city's east. The boy was walking home when a van pulled up next to him, and the driver claimed that the boy's mother had sent him to give him a ride home. The boy, thankfully, was able to refuse and the van drove away. Police have confirmed that the two attempted abductions are not connected.
"It is concerning and alarming that there have been two incidents like this in the past two weeks," said Botterill. "But at this time, we do not believe they are connected. The vehicle and description of the suspect are different in each case."
The Tullamarine Football Club also issued a warning to its community members on social media, urging them to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. "This is not the first attempt of this nature in the area," the post read. "Please be aware of your surroundings and the safety of yourself and your family. If you see something, say something."
Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. For the latest news, sports, politics, and weather updates, download the 9News app on the Apple App Store or Google Play and receive notifications straight to your smartphone. Stay safe and stay informed.
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