The incident happened at about 6.30pm at the Beachlands Caravan Park when the child became separated from her sisters and the group of friends she was playing with.

The girl told her mother, and later investigating officers, that she was approached by a white male who grabbed her by the arm and forced her into his car, which was parked outside the park.

Det Snr Sgt Kylie Whiteley said the man reportedly said: “You are coming with me. Put your seatbelt on.”

The child said she opened the door and ran, and the man drove off.

She told her mother of the incident within an hour of returning home.

The man is described as being between 30 and 45 years of age, of slim build with black hair and blue eyes.

He was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and a dark-coloured beanie.

It is believed he was driving a blue-coloured sedan with a skull motif on the back window.

Sgt Whiteley said on Tuesday that at that stage police had not been able to find any other witnesses, and it remained an unconfirmed report.

She said at this stage there was no reason to link the alleged incident with a recent attempted abduction in Dongara.

Sgt Whiteley said the child was concerned and frightened the night of the incident, but not injured.

She was able to give specialist child interview officers a detailed description of the alleged attacker and the car, and an identikit had been completed.

“Care was taken to ensure the child’s version of events was not tainted,” said Sgt Whiteley, who said the child was coping well in the circumstances.

The child was staying at the caravan park with her family of five.

Sgt Whiteley said parents needed to know where their children were at all times and children should be encouraged to stay in groups.

The police contingent included members of the uniform branch, detectives, members of the forensics staff and members of the Child Assessment and Interview Team.

Sgt Greg Lambert from Police Media said that the investigation team resumed doorknocking in the vicinity of the caravan park yesterday and carried out phone followups, dealing with people who may have moved on from the caravan park.

“We are still investigating at this stage and seeking help from members of the public,” he said.

“Anyone with information which could help our inquiries is asked to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.