Victim of failed kidnapping holding up well

An eight year-old girl who was the victim of an attempted abduction as she was walking to school is recovering well from the traumatic incident, but police are yet to find the man.

Police said the man tried to force the girl into his car in Kumeu, northwest of Auckland, about 7.30am yesterday.

When she resisted, he slapped her on the head before driving off.

Police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said the girl was extremely shaken and upset but was bearing up well and had lots of support.

There was a good response from the public and police were still appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

The man was described as brown skinned and wearing a black hoodie.

He was driving a black four-door saloon and a dog was in the back seat.

- NZPA