Man tries to grab woman in attempted abduction at Lysterfield Lake

A man grabbed a woman from behind and put a hand over her mouth in a terrifying attempted abduction at Lysterfield Lake.

The woman was walking at Lysterfield Lake when she was approached from behind by a man. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A man has grabbed a woman in an alleged abduction attempt in Melbourne’s southeast on Saturday afternoon.

It is understood a 36-year-old woman was on a walk through the Churchill National Park at Lysterfield Lake when she was approached from behind by a man.

The man allegedly grabbed the woman around the waist and put a hand over her mouth, in an attempt to drag her to the ground at the North Boundary track around 4.15pm.

Police are looking for a man over an incident at Lysterfield Lake.

The Dandenong North woman managed to struggle free and flee from the area and called police.

Detectives are investigating the attempted abduction and have released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Sergeant Luke Shore said on Tuesday the investigation was ongoing.

“The woman was on a walk through the national park, she parked at the Arthur Robinson bushland reserve,” he said.

“Whilst travelling east along the north boundary track she was approached by a male from behind.”

Casey crime unit will continue to investigate and are treating the attempted abduction as an isolated incident.

“We certainly have not had any previous reports as to this nature at this stage,” Sgt Shore said.

“Everyone should feel free and safe.”

Police are appealing for witnesses in the area during the time of the incident and whether any other walkers observed anyone of the description.

Investigators want to speak to anyone who saw the incident or witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area.

Police are looking for a man believed to be in his 20-40s and is understood to be African in appearance, about 183cm tall and was wearing a grey beanie and jumper.

Anyone who witnessed the incident at Lysterfield Lake and has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au