A MAN has been questioned and released pending further enquiries following an alleged attempted child snatching in Cohuna.
Swan Hill detectives spoke to a male on Friday as part of their investigation into the incident at Cohuna skate park, about 12 noon on March 9.
“He has been released pending further enquiries,” a statement said.
Acting Inspector Brian Hansen said an adult male attempted to physically grab hold of a seven-year-old girl.
“The male was in a red Ford utility and there was also an adult female sitting inside as well,” he said.
“The male initially asked the girl to come over to him, but she didn’t and walked away.
“He’s then actually got out of the car and chased her, grabbed her by the arm, and she’s been able to break free and then run off to her parents and alerted them to what was going on.”
Insp. Hansen said police had searched for any CCTV cameras in the area but couldn’t find any.
He also said the victim didn’t know who the male was.
“What we are doing now is appealing for any witnesses that may have seen the vehicle, the two adults in the car or the incident to help us out,” Insp. Hansen said.
He said the victim and her family had returned home to Bendigo after visiting for the long weekend.
“Detectives in Bendigo have followed up and the girl is coping okay,” Insp. Hansen said.
“You just don’t see it very often, this type of incident.
“It’s really hard to try and understand or guess the motivation for this type of behaviour – whether it’s opportunistic or planned or otherwise, we just don’t know.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
