Hutt Valley police are looking for a man found in the back seat of a woman's car in Lower Hutt yesterday.

A woman shopping at Westfield in Lower Hutt around 4.30pm got into her car and was preparing to leave when an unknown man reached towards her from the back seat, Detective Sergeant Richard Orr said.

"The woman quickly got out of the car and yelled out for help causing the man to walk out of the car park on to Bloomfield Terrace. She was parked in plain view on the street level of the car park and there were at least two other people around."

Police were keen to speak to the two people who may have seen the incident, or anyone else who was in or near the car park at 4.30pm yesterday, Mr Orr said.

They were now reviewing CCTV footage of the area and looking for a Maori or Polynesian man in his late 20s, with a slight build, short black hair and a thick moustache.

Anyone with further information was advised to contact Lower Hutt police on 04 560 2600, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News