An 11-year-old girl was subjected to a terrifying daylight assault when a man reeking of alcohol attempted to grab her from a street in Vermont, police say.
Police spokeswoman Kendra Jackson said the attack happened about 9am as the young girl was walking alone on Canterbury Road, Vermont, on Thursday.
The man, described as smelling dirty and of alcohol, attempted to grab the girl as she walked towards a reserve near Grigg Avenue.
After managing to break free from his grasp, the girl sought refugee at a nearby home.
The man was described Caucasian, aged in his 50s, about 165 centimetres tall, of medium-build, with white collar-length hair and a white beard.
He was wearing a red T-shirt and black pants.
Whitehorse crime investigation unit detectives are appealing to anyone with information and/or anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
