Detectives are investigating the attempted abduction of a 14-year-old girl Riddells Creek on Monday.
The schoolgirl was walking along Amess Road when she was approached by a man in a black car about 4.30pm.
The man – believed to be in his 40s – is alleged to have repeatedly offered the girl a ride home. After she declined, he opened the car door and tried to grab the girl’s arm.
“She slapped his hand away, screamed and ran away,” Victoria Police Media Officer Creina O’Grady said.
Detectives from the Bendigo Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team are investigating the incident, and police have released a face image of the suspect.
The man is described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid 40s with a bald head and a short-trim, black moustache.
He was believed to be wearing a red t-shirt with a dragon on it and blue jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Allison Worrall, The Age
