A man is in police custody after allegedly attempting to rape a 17 year old girl earlier in the week.

Assistant Police Spokesperson Sergeant Atunaisa Sokomuri said the accused is in custody at the Lautoka Police Station and is known to the victim and is alleged to have lured the girl from her home under the pretense of offering her ride to school.

Sokomuri said the man allegedly took the girl to an isolated place, and attempted to rape her however the girl managed to escape and reported the matter to the police.

Investigations continue into the matter.

Meanwhile Police have questioned and released a 57 year old man of Suva who was found in possession of 35 sachets of dried leaves believed to be marijuana.

Sokomuri said the man was arrested in Suva after a tip off yesterday afternoon.

Police are waiting for the analysis report from the Koronivia Research station, before laying charges on the man.