Witnesses sought to child approach in Spence

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to a child approach in Spence yesterday, 5 July 2018.

Around 5pm, a nine-year-old girl was playing in a reserve adjacent to her grandparents’ house on Don Place, Spence when she was grabbed from behind by a man and dragged into nearby bushes. The girl was only with the offender for a very short time before he released the child unharmed and fled toward Douglass Place, Spence.

The offender is described as a male, wearing all black and a black beanie.

Police are seeking witnesses and any dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident. Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone walking in the area of Don Place and the reserve at the time of the incident (between 4:50pm and 5:10pm).

Police are urging anyone who may have any information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6284086. Information can be provided anonymously.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate their children in good personal safety practices including 'stranger danger' awareness, and to contact police immediately if they become aware of similar incidents.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au