Boy escapes after abduction attempt

POLICE are appealing for public assistance following the attempted abduction of a boy at Keiraville, near Wollongong.

About 12.20pm on Monday, a nine-year-old boy was at the Wollongong Botanical Gardens on Murphy Avenue with his family.

A short time later, he walked away from his mother with a six-year-old boy to look around the gardens.

A man approached the children and commenced speaking with them; however, they walked away.

A short time later, the man again approached the two children within a wooded area at the gardens. He grabbed the older boy around the waist and placed his hand over his mouth.

The younger boy ran for help whilst the victim struggled with the man.

The boy managed to break free and the man ran away.

He has been described as being around 40 years of age, 168cm tall with a medium build and short grey hair.

Wollongong police have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone with information to contact Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.