Kidnap attempt on girl in Kumeu

Police are on the hunt for an offender who tried to abduct an eight-year-old schoolgirl in Kumeu on Monday morning.

The incident happened at about 7.50am in Waitakere Rd near Boord Cres.

Police say the girl was walking to school with her two siblings.

A black car pulled up next to her and a male occupant jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed her by the arm.

He told her to get into the car but when she refused he slapped her and took off.

Police say the child was extremely traumatised by the incident.

They are keen to speak to anyone with information on the offender.

He is described as brown skinned and was wearing a black hoodie.

Police say the car was a four-door black saloon and there was a dog in the back seat of the vehicle.

Rodney CIB senior sergeant Glenn Adkin says the nature of the attack is a serious concern and they need to find the offender before he strikes again.

"As far as the description goes we haven't got any further with that," Mr Adkin says.

"The girl still has to be interviewed.

"She was very frightened and we need to handle it quite sensitively so we can get a clear recollection of what happened," Mr Adkin says.

He doesn't know of any similar attempted abductions in the area at this stage.

"But that's something we'll be looking at."

The girl is receiving counselling. Call the Rodney CIB on (09) 426-4555 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800-555-111 if you can help the police with their inquiries.

- © Fairfax NZ News