Police hunt for car linked to attempted abduction of Whangarei schoolboy

Police have released a detailed description of a car used in the attempted abduction of a Whangarei schoolboy.

Police have released a detailed description of a car used in the attempted abduction of a Whangarei schoolboy.

On November 1, a man tried to force a 10-year-old boy into the boot of a car as he walked home from school with friends about 3pm.

The boy managed to get away with the help of his friends.

The man then chased the boys in his car, attempting to block their escape by driving the vehicle onto the footpath.

Police said the boys evaded the man by hiding in bushes, before they returned home about 4pm.

A car like this was used in the attempted abduction of a Whangarei schoolboy.

The school children, and a witness, have provided detailed description of the car, Detective Sergeant Dave Hamilton said.

It is described as an older-shaped Honda four-door silver sedan.

The car is described as having scratches and minor dents along the driver's side, giving the appearance of a rundown car.

It also has scratches and paint damage on the driver's side rear bumper, as if damaged by hitting a high kerb.

Witnesses described the car a sounding "noisy, like it was about to break down," with rust along the bottom, tiny white stripes along the side and a cracked rear window.

There were shopping bags in the boot.

"Someone will know who owns this vehicle, or it may jog someone's memory if they were in the area at the time," Hamilton said.

"It's quite distinctive in its appearance.

"We also want to hear from anyone who knows who this male is.

"The victim has provided a description of a European man, with black/brown curly shoulder-length hair, wearing black jeans, a black hoodie, and with tattoos on his arms."

If anyone has information that can help Police please contact Detective Sergeant Hamilton on 09 430 4596, or you can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.