Man grabs bike of young girl riding to school

Police have made a plea for witnesses after a young girl riding her bike to school was confronted by a man at Mernda.

The man grabbed hold of the handlebars of the girl’s bike before convincing her to walk alongside him on Skeeter Drive about 8.30am on Wednesday.

The girl, 9, managed to flee.

The man then dropped the bike and fled himself.

Police have interviewed a man in relation to the incident.

But police are keen to speak with anybody else who may have saw what happened.

The man is perceived as Caucasian in appearance and aged in his 50s with brown hair.

He was wearing grey pants, possibly tracksuit pants, and black runners.

Anyone with information, who witnessed the incident or who may have noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au