Schoolgirl escapes kidnapping in Mt Maunganui

Photo / file

A schoolgirl escaped an attempted kidnapping in Mt Maunganui yesterday, police say.

The 12-year-old was delivering newspapers on Bain St at around 11.15am when an unknown man grabbed her by the arm.

The man had been sitting in a parked white coloured light truck with writing on both sides on Bain St near the corner of Riverton Rd at the time. When the girl walked past the truck, he reached out and grabbed her by the arm, police said.

The girl managed to break free and ran to a nearby house. Police were then called.

The girl was not injured in the incident.

The man was described by police as Maori, aged around 50-years-old.

The light truck was last seen being driven at speed down Riverton Rd towards Tay St, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident, who was in the area at the time, or who saw the vehicle, is asked to contact Mt Maunganui police on 07 575 3143 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have also called for the man to come forward.