Police are hunting a man who allegedly stalked an 18-year-old schoolgirl in Springvale.
Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) investigators are appealing for public help to identify him.
They’ve been told a man approached the teen as she walked to school multiple times over a three-week period between August and September.
She first encountered him on a weekday morning in late August, about 8.20am, while walking along Mile Creek path into Oakdale Court.
On this occasion the suspect was wearing shorts with his socks pulled up around his calves and a fluoro yellow polo shirt, and was walking his golden brown coloured dog, possibly a Staffy named Honey.
Police allege that over the following weeks the man approached the teenager on several occasions between 8am and 9am around Mile Creek Path, Oakdale Court, Avondale Street and Glendale Road.
About 8.25am on Tuesday 15 September the teenager was waiting for a friend on Mile Creek path, again near Oakdale Court, when he approached her.
It’s alleged he put his arm around her and pulled her against his chest.
She told police she tried to recoil away but the man pulled her in tighter and kissed the top of her head numerous times.
Police said the teenager struggled, the man let her go and she walked away.
Investigators have released a facial composite image of a man they believe might be able to assist with their inquiries, as well as an image of a similar-looking dog.
The man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his fifties and about 180cm tall with a slim and lanky build, grey hair, a receding hairline, sideburns, fair skin with freckles and wrinkles, and front teeth that protrude from his mouth.
He spoke with an Australian accent.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au with any information.
