Abduction and assault update

Tasmania Police have released a photofit of a man in relation to the sexual assault of a child at Latrobe on Tuesday afternoon.

The image has been prepared with the help of the victim.

“We hope the photofit will help someone remember seeing this seeing this man who is aged between 20 and 30 years old,” said Det. Insp, Robert Gunton.

The man is described as thin build and about 175cm tall, with a pale complexion and clean shaven. The victim describes the man’s grey hooded windcheater as having a grey check, with some black. The hood covered the man’s hair.

The man forced the girl into his car, a dark grey people mover, which had a child car seat or restraint fitted to one of the rear seats.

The vehicle was driven to Old Deloraine Road at Latrobe where the offender stopped the vehicle on the side of the gravel road, where the assault took place.

The man then drove to Shale Road Latrobe where the child was released.

“A witness has reported seeing the vehicle on Old Deloraine Road about 5pm, and we would like to hear from anyone else who saw this type of vehicle in the Latrobe area,” said Det. Insp. Gunton.

“Uniformed police officers are undertaking doorknocks in Latrobe seeking information. Plain clothed officers, as well as marked and unmarked police cars have been patrolling the area since Tuesday afternoon.”

Anyone who may have seen the car or the man, or who believes they know the identity of the man, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.