Men in white van wanted by police

The Martinborough Playground

Two boys were approached, but refused and ran

Police want to locate two men who attempted to entice two boys into a van as they were walking home from school in Martinborough on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Glen Jackson said about 3.15pm a white van with two men pulled up to a boy, aged 10, at the playground near the Martinborough Town Hall. The men asked the boy to get in the van, but he refused and fled.

Shortly afterwards, the men pulled up to a second boy, aged 11, and also asked him to get in. He refused and ran for help.

Mr Jackson said the incidents were only moments apart.

The driver is described as a skinny male of European descent with red hair, aged mid-20s to 30, with some form of facial hair.

The passenger is a male Maori or Pacific Islander, aged 40 to 50, fat or solidly built, with longer dark hair.

Both were wearing blue overalls with some kind of red tubing or piping down the side, said Mr Jackson.

The vehicle is described as an older model white van with tinted rear windows and without hub caps.

"Both boys are shaken. They ran off when they got concerned about the situation."

Mr Jackson said police are concerned about the men's behaviour and would like the public's assistance to resolve this.

- Members of the public can contact Mr Jackson on his direct line (06) 370 0306 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.