A WEEKEND search for a man who allegedly attempted to abduct a 12-year-old Port Macquarie girl was called off on Sunday afternoon after police said the girl was lying.
On Friday afternoon, police appealed to the public to help them identify and arrest a man after it was alleged that he had tried to abduct a schoolgirl.
The girl said she was walking out of a toilet block on the grounds of her high school on Findlay Street when she was attacked by a man wearing a black balaclava.
It was alleged the man grabbed the girl from behind, covered her mouth with one of his hands and picked her up with his other arm in an attempt to carry her away.
In a statement released on Friday, police said the girl put up a fight and managed to break free from the man’s grasp.
“She ran towards Widderson Street but was pursued by the man, who again grabbed her from behind,” the statement said.
“Another struggle ensued, however the girl was able to escape and ran to a nearby property where she sought assistance from a resident.”
Police said on Friday the girl had sustained a number of scratches and bruises as a result of the struggle.
But on Sunday, police conducted further inquiries with the girl, who later admitted that incident had not occurred.
Detective Inspector Steven Clarke said the girl has been spoken to about her actions and no formal charges would be laid.
“Although a large amount of police resources were utilised in conducting this investigation, I’m thankful that the girl has confirmed that this incident did not occur,” he said.
