A 26-year-old Timaru man has entered no plea after appearing in the Timaru District Court over a suspected abduction and assault of a nine-year-old boy last Thursday.

He appeared before Judge Joanna Maze on an indictable charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was remanded in custody to reappear on December 5, 10am.

A report was ordered to assess impairment and his fitness to stand trial. He will be assessed by a psychiatrist.

Through his counsel J Lovely, the accused said his recollection of events was sketchy.

The man was arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged abduction of the nine-year-old, who was found at Holme Station Bridge, more than 15 kilometres from Timaru by road.

The boy was found at 4.20pm, after leaving Oceanview Heights School at 3pm.

Judge Maze suppressed the accused's name and denied an application to photograph the accused because "these matters are premature and because of matters raised by the police and because of the identification of a person whose name is suppressed by law.''

Inspector Dave Gaskin said the arrest was made as a result of assistance from the public.

"We received a great deal of useful information from members of the public, that has helped us piece together a good picture of what occurred on the day. We're extremely grateful for that assistance.

"It's also important to reassure people that this was not a case of a random abduction - the alleged offender and the victim were known to each other."

Gaskin said the boy was recovering well in hospital. He had suffered injuries to his mouth and jaw.

- © Fairfax NZ News