Man tries to snatch child from Casino shop

A TERRIFIED schoolboy has escaped an attempted abduction outside a Casino shopping centre.

The search is on for a middle-aged man who tried to forcibly abduct the boy, 12, just after 4pm on Monday in the rear car park of Casino Plaza in Simpson Parade.

Senior Constable Michael Hogan said the boy was able to give police a good description of his would-be abductor in an interview yesterday with specialist-trained child detectives.

The boy told detectives the man fled the scene driving an early model, blue single-cab ute with black and gold registration plates.

An elderly woman was a passenger. Snr Const Hogan said the ute was last seen travelling north along Hickey Street, Casino.

Police have released a description of the man they want to speak to about the incident. He is described as indigenous in appearance, aged about 50, and 160cm to 165cm tall, of stocky build with short, grey, receding hair.

At the time of the attempted abduction the man was wearing blue denim jeans and a red short-sleeved shirt.

Police were unable to confirm late yesterday if the boy had seen the man before.

Anyone with information should phone Casino police on 6662 0029 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.