Attempted kidnapping outside Auckland private school

A man tried to force a year six student from Diocesan School for Girls into his car yesterday afternoon - but was stopped by senior pupils from the school. Photo / File

A private girls' school in Auckland is warning its students to stay safe after a man allegedly tried to entice a primary school-aged student into his car yesterday.

It is the second reported incident from the school in less than a week, police said.

A man tried to force a Year 6 student from Diocesan School for Girls into his car yesterday afternoon before following her down the street, the school said in a statement.

The incident occurred after the final bell rang at 3.20pm near Brightside Rd, Owens Rd and Gillies Ave.

Senior students escorted the youngster home after she ran away from the man, the school said.

The man was of Indian ethnicity, with spiky hair, about 20 years of age in a blue sedan with the letter H as the first letter on the number plate, the school said.

"We have notified our local schools and all of our girls and discussed strategies to keep safe - walk in groups, always look out for especially the younger girls and don't hesitate to use iPhones to take photographs or call 111," the school said.

It was not providing further comment on the incident.

Lynda Reid, the principal at nearby private girls' school St Cuthbert's College, said Diocesan quickly alerted her school, which then spread the message among parents to be vigilant.

Police said the first reported incident occurred on Mauranui Ave about 4.30pm on Friday. A parent notified police today after 12pm.

A police spokeswoman said inquiries were being carried out into both reports.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious behaviour involving a "dark-skinned man" in a blue vehicle, possibly a sedan, in or around these locations over the past week.