Teenage girl escapes frightening abduction attempt in Melbourne

A manhunt has been launched to track down a man who allegedly tried to kidnap a “teenage Jewish girl” in a terrifying kidnap attempt in Melbourne’s south-east.

The girl, 16, was walking near the corner of Hotham Street and Denman Avenue in St Kilda East shortly before 6pm on October 18 when she was approached by an unknown man who repeatedly asked her if she wanted to go somewhere with him.

Police allege the man then tried to force her into a white sedan before the girl managed to pull her arm free and escape by running away.

The girl – who has since been identified as Jewish by the Australian Jewish Association – was not physically injured in the incident.

The AJA also claims online that it reported the incident at the time.

Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Victoria Police about the AJA claims.

Detectives on Wednesday released a computer-generated image of a man they believe can help with their investigation.

Police have released a computer-generated image of a man they would like to speak to about the alleged attempted kidnapping of a teenage girl.

He is described as being in his twenties or early thirties and about 179cm tall.

The man had short black hair that was longer in the front and styled with gel.

He was wearing a navy blue T-shirt with a white PUMA logo on the front and black trousers.

The license plate of the white sedan is unknown.

Detectives are expected to release more details at a news conference later on Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the attempted kidnapping, has dashcam footage or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The alleged attempted kidnapping took place at Hotham Street and Denman Avenue in St Kilda East