Police seek man who tried to lure boy

Police are appealing to the public to help catch a man who tried to lure a 13-year old boy into his van last week.

The incident happened outside the Queenstown Events Centre on Friday afternoon.

Police believe that the same man, who was driving a white van, may have earlier attended a radio station "pool party" held at the Queenstown Aquatic Centre Pool.

Detective Grant Miller told the Southland Times that at least one parent might have had an altercation with the man after seeing what he was doing in and around the pool.

He said the man had changed his appearance by the time he approached the teenage boy while cruising around the events centre carpark.

The wanted man is described as skinny, unshaven, with crooked and stained front teeth and short brown, oily hair.

His white van had tinted windows, and looked similar to a Toyota Hi-Ace.

It was seen leaving Joe O'Connell Dr and driving along State Highway 6 towards Queenstown and the Frankton Rd roundabout.

- NZPA