Kidnapped baby returned to mother

File photo / NZ Herald

A 10-month-old baby is being returned to his mother this afternoon after his Mongrel Mob father allegedly kidnapped him after a domestic dispute in Hastings today.

The 32-year-old allegedly took his son after assaulting a woman at her property on Pakowhai Rd just before 11am, police said.

Police chased the man who drove through an orchard towards Whakatu, where he abandoned his car.

Roadblocks were set up and police dogs tracked the man through several properties, police said.

The man fled on foot with the baby to a local kohanga reo and persuaded a woman there to give him a ride to Napier.

Her car was stopped by police at a roadblock.

Police said the man and baby were in the car and the driver was unaware of events that had just taken place.

The man was arrested without incident, police said.

The baby was checked by a doctor and was in good health and being returned to his mother this afternoon.

Earlier reports that the man was using methamphetamine were incorrect, police said.

The Armed Offenders Squad or other armed police were also not involved in the incident, they said.