Police seek man after he grabs girl on street

Police are investigating an incident involving a man who allegedly tried to take a teenage girl from a Palmerston North street.

The event is believed to have occurred at 8.30am this morning while a 17-year-old girl was standing on the corner of Tremaine Avenue and Botanical Road.

While the teen has been waiting for a friend, a navy blue station wagon with dirt on its sides and wheels has stopped nearby. A man, described as Maori with a roundish face, has walked over to the victim before grabbing her by the waist and pulling her backwards.

She reacted by kicking the offender in the shin which caused him to release his grip. The victim has subsequently fled.

The man was not known to the victim. He is also believed to have a shaved head and was wearing a dark long-sleeved top and dark pants.

Detective Carl Newton said, "This young woman reacted quickly and prevented any further escalation of this incident.

"At this stage, it's difficult to know what the man's intentions were but nonetheless this behaviour is concerning."

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the blue station wagon or the man involved.

Any information can be provided to Detective Newton on (06) 213 9578 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.