By NICOLE WILLIAMS
TWO dog walkers could hold the key to finding a man behind an attempted abduction of a young boy in Berwick last week.
Detectives have been told the 11-year-old boy was walking with his dog through parkland toward Bournevale Drive about 5.30pm on Tuesday 19 November.
Just before he entered the small park he noticed a white van perform a U-turn in front of him.
The van later pulled up in front of him at a bus stop on the northern side of Bournevale Drive near the Queens Court intersection.
Detective Senior Constable Greer Goldsmith said the man got out of the van, opened the sliding door of the vehicle and asked the boy if he wanted to pat the black Labrador dog that was inside.
The boy took a step back, then the man stepped forward and attempted to grab the boy’s arm but he managed to take another step back.
“The young man threw his basketball at him and ran off,” Sen Const Goldsmith said.
“The boy behaved in sensible manner and went home and alerted parents.
“The man wasn’t threatening and it is unknown what his motive was.”
Sen Const Goldsmith said police were appealing for witnesses to the incident.
“We are particularly appealing to two people, a male and female, who were walking a dog through the park just prior to the incident,” she said.
The two people were described as being between 40 to 50 years old.
Sen Const Goldsmith said it was a reminder for parents to remain vigilant.
“It is concerning for the family, young boy and Victoria Police and we would like parents to remain vigilant,” she said.
“If a child is going to school, go in pairs, a group of three or with an adult.”
The man is described as 30 to 40 years old, with long straight brown hair and was unshaven.
He was wearing sunglasses, white or yellow coloured thongs, singlet and blue denim jeans.
The van was described as white, unwashed, rusty, possibly a 2004 model and had a sliding door on the driver’s side.
Police have released a FACE image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
