Man followed girl for 1km before fleeing when she sought help

The girl noticed she was being followed at the intersection of Brookside Rd and Rolleston Drive. Image/Google Streetview

Police in Canterbury are investigating a report that a man dressed in camouflage gear stalked a teenage girl for a kilometre, forcing her to cross the road several times before she was rescued by a member of the public.

Sergeant Grant Stewart from Rolleston Police Station in Canterbury said police were seeking witnesses after the suspicious behaviour was reported earlier this week.

The 15-year-old girl reported she was followed down Brookside Rd in Rolleston from 2.30pm on Monday, Stewart said.

"She noticed the man following her at the intersection of Brookside Rd and Rolleston Drive. He continued to follow her when she crossed the road several times up until the intersection of Burnham School Rd," he said.

"At that point the girl sought assistance from a member of the public who drove her to her destination."

Stewart said the man was described as a Caucasian in his 40s. He fled in the opposite direction when the girl sought help.

The man was about 1.85m tall and had very short hair or was possibly bald. He was wearing camouflage-coloured trousers, a dark grey-coloured T-shirt and carrying a camo backpack.

Police are seeking witnesses to the incident or any other reports of similar behaviour in the area recently.

Any information should be provided to Stewart on (03) 363 5243.

Stewart encouraged families to talk to their children about any behaviour that made them feel uncomfortable.

"This girl did the right thing by briskly crossing the road to see if she was being followed, before approaching a member of the public and seeking help.

"During a situation such as this, 111 should be called as soon as possible. If it's not an emergency but you still have concerns, talk to an officer at your local police station," Stewart said.