Police have warned members of the public to remain alert after a man tried to snatch a child who was playing basketball at a park in Perth with a group of people nearby.
Western Australia Police said the boy was at Butterworth Reserve on Butterworth Avenue in Koondoola at about 5.10pm on Saturday when he was approached by a stranger who tried to lead him away from the area.
The boy tried to get help from a group of people nearby, but then walked towards Waddington Crescent where he was followed a short distance through a laneway onto Gabell Way, before he managed to run away.
“The man is described as approximately 18-years-old, of slim build with dark skin and short, curly black hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, shorts and black sneakers, with ear buds in his ears,” police said.
Child Abuse Squad detectives warned parents, carers, and community members to “remain alert when children are in public places” such as aquatic centres, playgrounds, and sporting venues.
“Close supervision and simple safety conversations can help reduce risk,” police said.
Investigators are also asking anyone with mobile phone, CCTV, or dashcam footage of the incident to contact police.
Header image: Butterworth Park in Koondoola (Google Street View).
