Police have released shocking footage of a man trying to force a terrified woman into the back of his car on a Canberra street.
The attempted abduction occurred in Red Hill about 7pm (AEDT) on Monday with police now releasing the footage as they call for those involved and witnesses to come forward.
The black and white CCTV vision shows two women walking down Esperance Street when a silver Commodore pulls up alongside them.
The driver then gets out of the car and appears to engage one of the women in conversation before grabbing her and trying to force her into the backseat of the vehicle.
The woman tries her best to fight off the man despite appearing to be kicked and have her hair pulled.
The man eventually shoves the woman into the car but she keeps fighting and doesn't allow him to close the door on her.
The woman's friend watches, making no attempt to help, before she eventually disappears out of shot.
The footage ends with the woman still fighting off the man from the backseat but police said she eventually managed to escape.
It is unclear if the woman knew the man who attempted to abduct her.
Police are calling for the man and women as well as witnesses to come forward after they were made aware of the incident by a member of the public.
Sergeant Harry Hains said police wanted to check on the welfare of the woman in the video.
"It obviously constitutes quite a serious assault based on what is seen in the CCTV and we'd love to speak to anyone who knows anything about this incident," he said.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.