By MAX ALDRED FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 05:56 GMT, 19 February 2025 | Updated: 05:56 GMT, 19 February 2025

A 78-year-old man has been charged with attempted rape after he allegedly sexually assaulted a young girl in a public bathroom.

Witnesses at a park in Deception Bay, in southeast Queensland, alleged they saw the man on a mobility scooter enter the toilet block with the child on Saturday.

The girl was then allegedly sexually assaulted before a witness intervened and reported the matter to police.

It is not believed the 78-year-old and the child, who was under the age of 12, were known to each other. 

However, police believe both frequent the park which houses a playground and a community hall.

Detective Inspector Phil Hurst said detectives fear there may be more victims.

‘As these alleged offences were committed in a public place, I’m urging anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity to contact police,’ he said.

‘Remember that reporting sexual offences against children is mandatory, and not doing so is a criminal offence. 

Witnesses at a park in Deception Bay (pictured), in southeast Queensland, alleged they saw the man on a mobility scooter enter the toilet block with the child on Saturday 

‘Any child who may have had a similar experience is also urged to speak to their parents and report it police – any victims will be listened to and supported.’

Police searched a Deception Bay home on Monday and arrested the 78-year-old.

‘The 78-year-old Deception Bay man has been charged with two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12 years and one count of attempted rape,’ a Queensland Police spokesman said.

The man is due to face Redcliffe Magistrates Court on March 5.

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Elderly man on a mobility scooter charged with attempted rape after allegedly assaulting a young girl inside a park toilet block

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