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5.19PM: An identikit picture of the man wanted by police has been released.
The girl’s attacker is said to be Caucasian, aged 50 to 60 years, with a pot belly and balding head.
The image also shows the man wearing sunglasses.
4.16PM: A Wodonga schoolgirl has been released from hospital and police are now appealing for fresh information following an attempted abduction in the city yesterday afternoon.
In a press conference this afternoon, Wodonga Detective Sen-Sgt Kevin Coughlan said the girl was highly traumatised and had suffered bruising and swelling from the incident.
Police were now assuming the abductor had planned a sexual attack and the sex crime squad was en-route from Melbourne to take over the investigation.
Detective Sen-Sgt Coughlan said neighbours had provided extra information about the man's possible movements in the area and they had serious concerns about his intentions.
EARLIER TODAY: A Wodonga girl, 15, is in hospital after a daring daylight attack during which a motorist tried to kidnap her, hitting her over the head several times.
Police said the girl had seen an older man ahead of her when she was walking home from school — west on Lawrence Street, opposite Kelly Park — about 2.40pm.
Detective Leading Sen-Constable Andrew Leonard said the man had appeared to stumble before he had asked the girl to help him get to his car.
“When they got to the car, he has shoved her in,” Sen-Constable Leonard said.
“When she started to struggle, he has hit her a number of times to the head with a weapon.
“She has managed to get away from him and run off.
“He watched her run away and then got into his car and drove off.”
Sen-Constable Leonard said it was believed the man had been driving a black late-model Audi sedan.
He said the girl had been treated at hospital for injuries consistent with having been hit on the head with a blunt object.
Police last night spoke to the girl and expected her to make a statement about the assault and her attacker.
No further details on her condition were available.
Sen-Constable Leonard said police had spoken to witnesses who had believed the assault was a domestic spat between a parent and child.
“Obviously we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened,” he said.
Sen Constable Leonard said the car had Victorian registration plates.
The girl’s attacker is said to be Caucasian, aged 50 to 60 years, with a pot belly and balding head.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2600.