KEY POINTS:
A 10-year-old girl fought off a man who tried to force her into a car yesterday.
Police last night described the incident as "sinister" and have launched a hunt for the attacker.
The girl was walking alone on Waiora Rd in the Whangaparaoa Peninsula suburb of Stanmore Bay about 2pm when a four-wheel-drive vehicle pulled up in front of her.
As she walked past, a man leaped out and tried to drag her into the back seat.
Detective Mark Palma said the girl was still shaken by the ordeal last night. "This young victim is a brave and courageous girl. She has done everything right in resisting the offender's sinister attempts to force her into his vehicle."
Police described the man as a Pakeha aged in his late 30s or early 40s.
He was 180cm to 185cm tall with facial hair on his chin and dark hair.
The vehicle was black or very dark navy with a tyre cover on the rear and a distinctive "red-coloured, silky-looking seat cover".
A van driver arrived on the scene just as the four-wheel-drive sped away and asked the girl if she was all right. Police would also like to speak to him.
"The victim told police she thinks the offender gave up when he became aware the van driver had seen her struggling," Mr Palma said.
Police want anyone in the area of Waiora Rd between 2pm and 2.15pm to contact Mr Palma at Rodney CIB on (09) 427-4532.
The Offender
* Male.
* Pakeha.
* Late 30s to early 40s.
* 180-185cm [5ft 8in-6ft].
* Black hair with some facial hair on chin.
* Wearing jeans, possibly blue, and a black jacket with white writing on the sleeves.
