Melbourne police charge two men over alleged abductions, sexual assaults from 1980s - ABC News

Police have charged two men over two allegedly linked abduction and sexual assaults in Melbourne dating back more than 30 years.

Key points:

The alleged sexual assaults took place in South Yarra and Nunawading in the mid-1980s
Two men have each been charged with 38 offences including abduction by force and aggravated rape
Police said they were continuing to search for a third suspect

A 61-year-old man from Kalorama in Melbourne's east was arrested by police earlier today.

He was charged with 38 offences, including abduction by force and aggravated rape.

A 56-year-old man was interviewed by police earlier today and has been charged with the same 38 offences.

The charges relate to two separate incidents where two women were allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted.

The first incident allegedly took place in South Yarra on November 22, 1985, while the second incident allegedly occurred in Nunawading on March 26, 1986.

Last month, police issued a public appeal for information and offered a $350,000 reward.

The Kalorama man will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court later today.

The second man, who is in custody at Barwon prison, is due in court on June 14.

'Significant arrests'

Detective Inspector Steve Wilson from the sexual crimes squad said police were continuing to hunt for a third suspect.

"We still have one person outstanding and we would again encourage anybody to come forward with information as to who that third person may be," he said.

He described the arrested as "significant" but said police were "very mindful of the fact that this is only the start of what is likely to be a very long and involved court process.

"Therefore, we're not making any further comment in relation to those people or the circumstances," he said.

Police said they wanted to acknowledge the alleged victims, their families and friends.

"I've been working for over 30 years for this to occur," Detective Inspector Wilson said.

"It's something quite significant for them and I'm quite sure that they would never be expecting us to be knocking on their door and informing them of what this outcome is.