EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public for help identifying a man in a recent child abduction and sexual assault in west Edmonton.

On Tuesday, an eight-year-old girl was walking home from after-school activities in the area of 144 Street and 110 Avenue around 5:30 p.m. when a vehicle pulled up next to her. The driver pulled her into the vehicle, sexually assaulted her, and dropped her off nearby, police said.

Her parents went out looking for her when she didn't arrive home on time, said police.

The girl told her parents about the assault, and they called police. She was taken to hospital, treated, and later released. She also talked to staff at the Zebra Child Protection Centre.

The Zebra Centre provides services and support to children and youth who've experienced abuse or a traumatic event.

"We just make sure the child's voice is heard and their needs are being met," said Kathryn MacDonald.

MacDonald says about 87 per cent of victims at the Zebra Centre know the person that assaulted them.

"It's not that common to see a stranger assault," said MacDonald.

MacDonald says it's important to speak with your children about safety in the community, and to foster an open relationship of communication with them.

"The parents and the child did a great job, and she was very brave in coming forward and sharing her story," said MacDonald.

The man is described as light-skinned, in his late 20s to mid-30s, with medium to short brown hair and facial hair. He was wearing faded light brown pants at the time of the assault.

The vehicle is a white four-door mid-sized car or SUV, police said.

"We want this information to help inform the conversations you have with your children about safety in the community so that we can prevent this type of crime from reoccurring and bring this person to justice," said Det. Amanda Ross with the EPS Child Protection Service.

EPS is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, man or vehicle in the McQueen neighbourhood between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to contact police.

Police are also asking drivers with dash cams in that area to review their footage during those hours, and see if they spot a vehicle with that description.

Police went door-to-door and say they have found a few residents with surveillance footage that they're now reviewing.

"Anytime a serious incident like this occurs, it can have a lasting impact on the community. This is why we wanted to notify and inform the public and encourage members of the public to come forward and provide information that might assist in solving this crime," said Det. Ross.

Detectives don't believe the girl knew the man.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.