Detectives are hunting a man wanted for abducting an eight year old girl and sexually assaulting her on her way home from school, more than 50 years ago.
The assault took place at Clarinda in Melbourne's south-east sometime in 1970, but police were only told about the incident earlier this year.
"The victim has lived with the physical and emotional impacts of this incident for more than 50 years," said Detective Senior Constable Kula Mayne.
The girl was walking home from primary school on Crawford Rd when she saw a man knocking on the door of a property at the intersection with the Parade, according to police.
When she told him she thought the residents were on holidays, the man led her to believe he had a gun in his pocket and demanded she get into his car, driving her to an area of secluded park and sexually assaulting her.
The victim believes the assault took place near a rubbish tip or landfill in Clayton South, as she remembers a strong smell.
The man then panicked and took her back to the primary school on Crawford Rd and let her go.
The car was a new, black wagon with straight edges, similar to a Ford Future or Chevrolet Impala.
Detectives say the offender was described as well-dressed and well-spoken, Caucasian, with mousy brown hair and dark glasses.
The incident could be linked to an attempted abduction nearby, that took place at about the same time.
Police say a man of similar appearance tried to snatch another child in Clayton during the summer of 1970 or 1971.
The victim was approached by a man in a black car on Arunta Crescent, who tried to convince her to get into the car, before her mother noticed and warned her to get away.
That man was described as Caucasian, in his 30s, with well kept short hair, a dark suit and dark glasses.
Police have released digitally generated images of the suspect and have urged anyone with information to contact them.
"Historical sexual offending matters are incredibly complex, but we are determined to solve this case and someone out there in the public may well have that vital piece of information to bring closure to this matter," Sen Const Mayne said.
"Any piece of information could be the key we need, if you recognise the man in this image or know anything that could help our investigation, please contact Crime Stoppers."
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
