Girl, 12, is snatched from her backyard, taken to nearby bushland and sexually abused - as police launch desperate hunt for predator
- The horrific incident unfolded at about 6.30am on Wednesday in Taree, NSW
- Girl arrived at a home in the neighbourhood as her mother reported her missing
- She was grabbed from behind while playing in her backyard and taken bushland
A desperate manhunt is underway after a 12-year-old girl was abducted from the backyard of her home and taken to bushland where she was sexually abused.
The horrific incident unfolded at about 6.30am on Wednesday in Taree on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
'Police were called to a home after a resident reported a child from the neighbourhood had arrived at the home,' police said in a statement.
'A short time later, the 12-year-old girl was reported missing by her mother.'
A desperate manhunt is underway after a 12-year-old girl was abducted from the backyard of her home and taken to bushland where she was sexually abused (stock)
The girl was taken to her mother's home where police were told she was grabbed from behind while playing in her backyard, taken to nearby bushland and 'sexually touched by an unknown man'.
Crime scenes at the girl's home and in bushland on Telopea Drive have been examined by specialist forensic officers.
The predator is described only as wearing a hooded jumper.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who was in the area or may have dashcam footage to contact Taree Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
The girl is currently in the care of her family.
