Pictured: Man accused of trying to kidnap a five-year-old boy off a city street
The man accused of grabbing a five-year-old boy and attacking another 14-year-old boy has been photographed for the first time.
Police say the incident took place in the western Melbourne suburb of Footscray, where the five-year-old and 14-year-old were walking along Eldridge St about 3.50pm on Friday.
A man, now pictured by police, approached the pair and picked up the younger boy before the teen tried to stop him.
The man then punched the 14-year-old and knocked him to the ground.
Police have released CCTV footage of a man they suspect attempted to kidnap a five-year-old boy in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray.
The boy avoided being kidnapped when a passerby shouted at the man to put the child down
A passerby shouted at the man to put the boy down, which he did before heading towards Kinnear St.
The teenage boy suffered minor injuries, while the five-year-old boy was unharmed.
Victoria Police have released images and CCTV footage of the man they are looking for in connection with the case.
Maribyrnong detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened or can assist with any questions to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.