Police believe an abduction attempt, in which a man allegedly grabbed a teenage girl from behind on a Conder street, is not linked to any previous incidents in the area.
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The girl, 13, was walking in Cremorne Place on her way to school when a man got out of a white van, followed her and clutched her on the wrist about 8.45am on Wednesday, police said.
The Lanyon High School student managed to break free and run away.
An ACT Policing spokesman said officers were still searching for the offender and investigations were ongoing. He said it did not appear to be linked to any other incidents, including another south-side abduction attempt in May.
Police said a woman had to flee when two men in a van tried to abduct her as she walked to her car near Forde shops on May 29.
''We don't believe there's a connection, but these incidents crop up intermittently,'' the spokesman said. ''Sometimes they're bona fide and sometimes they're not, and that's what we're investigating at the moment.''
Police released CCTV still images of a white van thought to be linked to the Conder incident on Wednesday. However, the spokesman said on Thursday the driver of the van in the images had reported to Woden police station and they no longer believed that vehicle was connected to the incident.
Police seek a man of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean appearance, with short, dark hair. He was described as in his mid-30s and of a tall, solid build.
The van was described as possibly a white Volkswagen.
Police urged residents to be cautious when out walking and to take notice of their surroundings and any suspicious people.
They weren't aware of any incidents that involved children being approached in the area surrounding the school recently.
Lanyon High School principal Bill Thompson said he had encouraged parents to reinforce safety messages with their children.
''Students at school were advised to remain vigilant and to not walk to and from school alone if possible,'' Mr Thompson said. ''Students were made aware that if they had any concerns or fears there are many people in the school who can listen and help.''
Staff at Charles Conder Public School also circulated information to remind parents to speak with their children about ''stranger danger''.
Police have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000 or act.crimestoppers.com.au.