Police seek man after girl grabbed

File photo / NZ Herald

A 12-year-old Wellington girl was left "scared and shaken" after she was grabbed from behind by a man in Wellington on Saturday night.

Police said the girl had been playing with friends about 8.30pm in an area near Ridgway School, Mornington, before she left to return home briefly.

Detective Sergeant Luke Cameron said a man in his thirties grabbed the girl in the school grounds as she was returning to her friends.

The girl screamed and the offender ran off.

"Police are concerned about the intentions of this man, which left the victim scared and shaken," he said.

Mr Cameron said police spent yesterday doing an area canvas and had spoken to witnesses who saw the man earlier in the evening.

The offender is described as Caucasian, with dark hair and was wearing a white top and beige/brown trousers. He was also carrying a small black backpack.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around Mornington last night or may have seen this offender about the time of the incident.

Anyone with information should phone Wellington CIB on 04 381 2000."

- NZHERALD STAFF