Police investigate attempted child abduction in Leichhardt

FAMILIES are being warned to be alert after the attempted abduction of a three-year-old girl from a park in Leichhardt in Sydney’s inner west.

Police say the attempted abduction unfolded yesterday at Pioneers Park, Leichhardt.

FAMILIES are being warned to be alert after the attempted abduction of a three-year-old girl in Leichhardt.

Police were told the child was in a play area at Pioneers Memorial Park on Norton St about 5pm on Tuesday when she was approached by an unknown man.

The girl’s mother was standing a short distance away when the man spoke to the child, took her by the hand and began to walk away.

Police say the child’s mother then challenged the man, who immediately put the child down and fled the scene on foot.

The alleged offender is described as being of Indian appearance, about 170cm tall, with a thin build, short black hair and no facial hair.

He was wearing a red T-shirt, black tracksuit pants and white shoes.

The report comes after a five-year-old girl was indecently assaulted by a man in Glebe on Saturday morning.

The girl was at Wentworth Park about 8.20am when a man approached her and indecently assaulted her. He ran away when the girl screamed.

The man — who has yet to be identified by police — was also described as being of Indian appearance, about 165-170cm tall, of slim build and with black hair.

A five-year-old girl was indecently assaulted at Wentworth Park in Glebe.

Police confirmed they are investigating possible connections between the two incidents.

“We’re considering all lines of inquiry very closely including if there is a link between the two incidents,” Leichhardt LAC Superintendent Paul Pisanos said

“The two descriptions are exactly the same but we’re looking at a lot of options including if the man is a rough sleeper.

“The main message to the community is to be alert but not alarmed.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Beck said it was a “concern that a person would be this brazen and conduct such activity right near the parents.”

Insp. Beck said officers have been in contact with Liverpool Police after a mother reported a man of middle eastern appearance trying to make off with her 15-month-old son before she intervened.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have further information is asked to contact Leichhardt Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Safety tips

The incident has also prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

— Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

— Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.

— Know where safe places are — a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

— Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help — police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

— Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.

— If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.

— If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.