Gardaí in Birr, Co Offaly are investigating the attempted abduction of a girl in her early teens last night.
The incident happened at about 8.30pm as the girl was cycling her bicycle between her own house and that of a friend's.
A small white van, described as resembling a postman's van, pulled up beside the girl and a male engaged her in conversation. He then attempted to pull her into the van but after a brief struggle she managed to escape. The driver drove off in the direction of Ferbane.
The location of the incident is at the townsland of Moyclare on the road to Clonlyon, off the Ferbane to Belmont Road ,approx 2km outside Ferbane, gardaí said.
The male is described as being middle-aged, small in stature with dark hair and wearing glasses.
The girl is described as being deeply distressed after the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has any information is asked to contact the gardaí in Birr on 057 9169710, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Gardaí are warning parents to be vigilant.