Girl, nine, fights off abduction attempt in Reservoir CCTV of man sought by police in Fawkner, Reservoir attacks. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied A man police wish to speak to. POLICE are investigating whether a man who tried to abduct a nine-year-old girl in Melbourne's north yesterday is the same man who attempted to sexually assault a woman last Friday. Detective Senior Constable Erol Ali from Epping Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Team (SOCIT) said the man was of a similar description but could not be "absolutely certain" if they were linked at this early stage. The girl fought off the cyclist as he tried to abduct her from her front yard in Reservoir last night. Police said the attempted abduction happened as the young girl put rubbish out the front of her home in Radford Road at 6pm. "It is alleged the man grabbed her arm and the girl shrugged off the man's grip before running inside to tell her mother," Senior Constable Melissa Seach said. The man fled the scene, east on Halsey Street and was last seen at the intersection of Halsey and Greig Streets. The alleged offender was riding a silver bike and is believed to be aged in his 60s. He is described as Southern European in appearance and medium to solid build. He was wearing a denim jacket, jeans and black shoes and believed to be riding a mountain bike. It now appears a neighbour may have captured the attacker on CCTV as he rode past. He also revealed the mum and daughter in the latest attack followed the bike riding offender through several streets before losing sight of him. "This was a brazen attack," Sen-Cons Ali said. To have a stranger grab you, it would have been terrifying, especially for a young girl. He confirmed detectives were investigating a link to the attack on a 42-year-old woman in Fawkner last Friday, just 1km away from the latest incident. In the earlier attack the was walking along the Merri Creek bike path at the end of Lynch Road, when she noticed a man sitting on a park bench staring at her. "The man asked the Reservoir woman for the time and as she went to check her watch, the man has grabbed her and told her to take her clothes off," Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said. The woman has refused and struggled to get free, scratching the man to the right side of his face. "Refusing to give up despite the man claiming he had a knife, the woman began hitting the man with her umbrella," she added. The victim pushed to the ground but the attacker fled after she screamed for help. Investigators released a FACE image of a man they would like to speak to. In that attack he was described as Middle Eastern in appearance, balding grey hair, tanned skin and clean shaven. Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or any suspicious activity in the area, to come forward. Investigators have also released an image of a man that may assist with their enquiries. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au