Girl, 13, grabbed at North Narrabeen and police appeal for help

POLICE are urgently seeking witnesses to an incident involving a girl in Windsor Pde at North Narrabeen this morning or to anyone who was in the area about 7.15am.

Treasurer Mike Baird meeting Manly local area commander Supt Dave Darcy outside Manly police station to discuss the future of the station, which has been closed for two years.

POLICE are urgently seeking witnesses to an incident involving a girl in Windsor Pde at North Narrabeen this morning or to anyone who was in the area about 7.15am.

Police said a middle-aged man grabbed a 13-year-old schoolgirl on the shoulder and elbow but she swung her arms and was able to break free and run home.

Northern Beaches crime manager Insp Craig Wonders said the girl’s family immediately called the police, who searched the area and canvassed local residents.

He said police are keen to speak to any residents of the area who have CCTV cameras on their homes or to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a green or bronze-coloured four-wheel-drive vehicle in or around Windsor Pde.

Insp Wonders said the girl was walking east along Windsor Pde towards Pittwater Rd when she noticed the 4WD pull into a driveway and stop.

He said she saw a man get out of the 4WD and walk behind her.

He said the girl quickened her pace but the man caught up with her and grabbed her right shoulder with one hand and her left elbow with his other.

The girl swung her arms, striking the man and breaking his hold, and then ran home and told her family.

“We patrolled the area but couldn’t find him,” Insp Wonder said.

“Residents have been canvassed and police are searching for any local CCTV that may help in our inquiries.”

He said the man was described as being about 50 years old, of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of average build with short, dark slicked-back hair.

He was wearing thick-framed glasses and a dark green short-sleeved shirt.

Anyone who saw the man or his vehicle is urged to call Dee Why police station on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.