Police confirm schoolgirl abduction

Palmerston North police have 'serious concerns' about the motivations of a man who abducted a nine-year-old girl yesterday. File photo / NZ Herald

A nine-year-old girl who went missing in Palmerston North yesterday was abducted by a man who drove her around and spoke to her innappropriately, police say.

The man, described as a caucasian in his mid-20s or early-30s, coerced the girl into his car as she walked to school along Shamrock Street at about 8.30am yesterday.

He took her on a 25 minute drive to outskirts of the city, making no physical contact with her but speaking innappropriately, police said.

The girl became "extremely distressed" before the man dropped her back at Shamrock Street at about 8.55am.

She immediately reported the incident to school authorities.

Detective Sergeant Gary Milligan said the abduction was very concerning, despite no physical harm coming to the girl.

Police had "serious concerns" about the man's motivations, he said.

He encouraged children to walk to school in pairs or groups and to report any suspicious behaviour to parents or teachers.

"We have increased police attention on school areas and are working closely with the school staff to provide as much reassurance and awareness as possible."

Any link between the incident and an approach on a 10-year-old girl in the West End area of Palmerston North on June was yet to be established, Mr Milligan said.

While the offender description is similar the vehicle descriptions are distinctly different, he said.

Police have asked for reports on a man acting suspiciously near Shamrock Street between 8.25am and 9am yesterday.

To give information, call Mr Milligan on 06 351 3600.

- HERALD ONLINE