Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are releasing digitally generated images as part of their investigation into a child abduction and sexual assault from more than 50 years ago.
Police were first contacted earlier this year in relation to the incident that occurred in Clarinda sometime in 1970.
The female victim was only eight-years-old when she was walking home from primary school on Crawford Road and witnessed a man knocking on the door of an address at the intersection with The Parade.
Being familiar with the neighbourhood, the young girl told the man she believed the residents were on holidays.
The man then turned to her, gave the impression that he had a gun in his pocket and demanded she get into his car. The car was a new, black, straight-edged station wagon, similar to a Ford future or Chevrolet Impala.
The unknown man then drove the girl to an area of secluded parkland and sexually assaulted her.
She recalls the man panicked and returned her to the rear of the primary school on Crawford Road, let her go and drove off.
The victim believes the area she was taken to was in the vicinity of a Clayton South rubbish tip or landfill as she remembers a strong distinct odour in the air.
The offender is described as a well-dressed Caucasian male, well spoken with mousy brown hair and was wearing dark glasses.
Since the victim has come forward, police have been made aware of an attempted abduction of another child in Clayton during the summer of 1970 or potentially 1971.
In this incident the victim recalls being approached by an unknown man in a black vehicle on Arunta Crescent.
She recalls the man attempted to convince her to get into the car before her mother noticed what was happening and told her to get away from the vehicle.
The man was perceived to be Caucasian, in his early to mid 30s with well kept short hair.
He was wearing a dark suit with a light-coloured shirt and had dark rectangle or square rimmed glasses.
Police are investigating whether or not these two incidents may be linked.
Detectives have released digitally generated images, depicting a man as he would have presented in 1970, who investigators believe could assist with their enquiries.
Police are also releasing an image of a vehicle believed to be similar to the one involved in this incident.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information that could assist police in relation to their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Constable Kula Mayne, Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team:
“The victim has lived with the physical and emotional impacts of this incident for more than 50 years.
“Historical sexual offending matters are incredibly complex, but we are determined to solve this case and someone out there in the public may well have that vital piece of information to bring closure to this matter.
“Any piece of information could be the key we need; if you recognise the man in this image or know anything that could help our investigation, please contact Crime Stoppers.”
