The mother of an 11-year-old boy who evaded a terrifying suspected abduction attempt on his way home from school in Melbourne’s east says the chilling incident has left a lasting impact on her child.
The year five student had just left school, and was walking down Halley St at Blackburn about 3.45pm on Monday November 18, when he was approached by a man with matted hair blond hair in a white van.
The boy’s mother, who does not wish to be identified, teared up as she told a press conference on Wednesday how her son was affected by the encounter.
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“He was pretty distressed and pretty frightened,” she said.
She said her son had been “up and down” since the attempted abduction, which has left him “more uncertain around people”.
The incident was not the first to occur in the area.
7NEWS understands that a similarly aged boy was approached late last year just 200m from where the abduction attempt occurred earlier this month.
“A man pulled over on the wrong side of the road to speak to him, and tried to get him to get in the car,” the 11-year-old boy’s mother told 7NEWS on Wednesday.
“He wound down the window to talk to him and said, ‘Your Mum said I was supposed to pick you up from school’.”
Detective Acting Sergeant Joanne Morrison said the man spoke in an “inviting tone” but had a “rough-sounding voice”.
“He was quite confused, and said no,” his mum said.
The 11-year-old student managed to get home, and locked all the doors before telling his mum about the incident.
“He was pretty distressed and pretty frightened.
His reaction has been commended by his mother, and Victoria Police.
“We’re really proud of him, he did everything right, in a very stressful situation,” the boy’s mum said.
Morrison added: “He wasn’t tricked by the male, which I think should be commended.
“He was obviously quite frightened by the incident at the time. I have since spoken to the child — a few days later — and he actually appears to be coping very well, and is very brave.
She congratulated him for “his conviction in what his plan was to him home safely” and urged parents to have regular conversations with their children, to determine what they would do if confronted with the same situation.
“It is a timely reminder for parents to … make sure there is a plan,” she said.
Searching for the suspect
Victoria Police has released CCTV and computer-generated images in a public appeal for information about the wanted man.
But despite extensive efforts, investigators have not been able to determine the vehicle’s registration plates.
“It is concerning … all I can say is that police have been taking it seriously,” Morrison said.
“Local units are doing regular patrols, investigators have spoken to the education department who have let the surrounding schools know.”
Morrison urged parents and children to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“Be aware, but please don’t be alarmed,” she said.
Police are searching for the driver of the van and are hoping to speak to any witnesses.
“The sooner he can be found, the sooner our kids will be a bit safer,” the 11-year-old boy’s mother said.
A computer-generated image showing the white van, with triangular lights and black wheels, has also been released.
Police have also produced an image of the alleged suspect, a Caucasian-looking man with “dirty, matted, blond hair” between the age of 30 and 40.
Anyone who recognises the man or the vehicle, or has any CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.