Man linked to six Sydney child approaches

A man who attempted to abduct a young girl in Sydney's west may be linked to other child approaches, police believe.

CCTV footage captured a man who reportedly approached two children, aged five and eight, who were playing in the common area of a townhouse complex at Girraween in November.

He picked up the younger girl and began walking toward the road, but she struggled and he dropped her before leaving the scene, police said on Friday.

The same man may also be linked to up to six other incidents reported between July 2014 and November this year in the surrounding areas, police said.

"In a number of these incidents the children approached have been playing in common areas of townhouse complexes," a police spokesperson said.

Officers have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist.