A 13-year-old girl was grabbed by a man as she walked home from school in Lower Hutt but managed to break free and run to safety.

Detective Sergeant Mike Sears said the girl was approached by the driver of a dark coloured car on Myrtle St about 3.15pm last Friday.

''He grabbed the victim's arm before she broke free and ran from the area,'' Sears said.

The victim was shaken, but uninjured, he said.

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to an attempted abduction where Tamera Walker, 12, was grabbed by a man who emerged from a parked car in Randwick Rd, Moera on November 7.

The teenager used a pink skateboard to fend off her attacker before running home and raising the alarm.

Police are appealing for witnesses of either incident to come forward.

''If you were in the area at the time or have seen a black saloon with a rear spoiler and white markings or damage on the bonnet please contact us immediately.

''Given the time of day and the number of other people in the area we are hoping witnesses will come forward with the vital information we need to identify this offender.''

The Myrtle St attacker is described as a dark-skinned, skinny male about 1.85m tall. He was wearing a grey
hooded sweatshirt, jeans and jandals. His face was covered by his hood.

The Randwick Rd attacker was thought to be a Maori aged in his 30s, with short dark hair and a beard.

He had a deep voice and was wearing dark sunglasses, black trackpants with white strips and a black hooded sweatshirt with long draw-strings. He walked with a noticeable limp.

The car involved in that incident was black and similar to a Nissan Primera. It had gold-rimmed wheels and a dent in the passenger door.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hutt Valley police on (04) 560 2600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News