Alleged abductor 'dragged’ girl from sleepover at grandfather’s Queensland home

A man has been charged with abduction after he allegedly dragged a 12-year-old girl to the backyard during a sleepover at her grandfather’s Gladstone home.

Police believe the girl was asleep in the lounge room with her two other friends around 1am yesterday when a man entered through the unlocked rear door of the home.

He allegedly lay down on a mattress beside the girl and touched her on the outside of her clothing, before dragging her into the backyard.

The victim’s screams woke up her grandfather, causing the alleged attacker to flee the scene, police said.

Police launched a search for the alleged offender and arrested a 24-year-old Mt Isa man about 8.15pm yesterday.

He has since been charged with abduction of a child under 16, assault, entering a dwelling with intent, indecent treatment of a child under 16 and obstructing police.

The victim sustained minor injuries and remains “shaken” from the incident, Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said during a press conference this morning.  

Mr Shadlow urged people to lock their doors at night.

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, we can’t leave our windows and doors unlocked,” he said.

Investigations into the alleged assault continue.