By Michele Canning Smith

THE MOTHER of a 12 year old girl, almost abducted in Dunamanagh last weekend, has said she hopes the perpetrator is soon caught.

The man behind the attempt to abduct 12 year old Sheree Dougherty, remains at large today - a danger to other children.

Sharon Dougherty and her only daughter Sheree have decided to speak out to alert other parents and children to the danger that exists.

Schoolgirl Sheree had been out playing in the snow with her brothers and cousins last Friday afternoon when she decided to leave them to walk the quarter mile home alone because she was cold.

It was as she made her way home along the rural road that a green car pulled into the ditch alongside her. The driver told her that he had been sent to collect her by her parents.

However, Sheree, who did not recognise the man and heard that he had an accent that wasn't local, knew she was in danger and decided to run off.

Her mum, Sharon, told the Chronicle, "Sheree is a bit streetwise so she knew to get away.

"She edged around the back of the car, and as she was trying to run off she fell a few times.

"The man reversed his car back and Sheree did what she has always been told to do in this type of situation, to roar and shout and scream and make as much noise as she can.

"The man span off in his car towards Artigarvan."

When Sheree reached home, her mum was confronted with a panicked, frightened and hysterical child.

"She was absolutely terrified when she came in and was in a hysterical state and it took a while for her to tell us what happened."

Sharon said Dunamanagh is a small close knit village, where everyone knows everyone else.

"This is a rural community and there are so many family connections around us, we have always regarded it as safe and never thought we had reason to worry. I never though this could have happened.

"Thankfully, we had always impressed on Sheree what to do if she was approached by a stranger and she did as she was taught, which some of the younger children might have not had the sense to do.

"I never dreamed this could happen here but the advice to Sheree to make as much noise as she could and to run if she ever was approached has paid off, and thankfully she is safe.

"On Monday everything was really brought home to her by the media attention and she was upset that night but thankfully she is good now, and due back to school.

Strabane police have appealed for help and information about the movement of the car, believed to have been a green old style Vauxhall Cavalier.

The driver is described as being of heavy build with a moustache and a goatee beard.

He was wearing a beanie hat. The number to call is 0845 600 8000.

Police are also looking into the possibility that last week's attempt may be connected to a similar incident in the neighbouring village of Artigarvan shortly before Christmas when a young boy was approached. The man had been driving a green car.