Police investigating 'stranger danger' complaint

Police say they are still investigating, but it appears there was nothing malicious in the person's actions, instead calling their attempt at help "misguided". Photo / File

Police are investigating a complaint against a member of the public who gave a child a ride home in a van.

The boy, aged seven, was picked up near Elm Park school in Pakuranga Heights last Wednesday and dropped 300m up the road.

Police say they are still investigating, but it appears there was nothing malicious in the person's actions, instead calling their attempt at help "misguided".

The child was waiting at a bus stop around 4pm on Wednesday 22 July at 4pm when the van pulled over and he hopped in.

He asked for a ride just up the road. A complaint was later laid with police.

A police spokesperson said they were still speaking to the boy and the school to ensure nothing sinister occurred, but wanted to reassure parents it didn't appear to be an "abduction" as described by some on social media.

They asked for the person with the van to come forward to clear things up.

Police said the incident provided a timely reminder to parents to speak with children about taking rides from strangers.