KEY POINTS:
Police investigating an attempt by a man in a balaclava to force a girl into a car say they have "serious concerns" about the attack.
The 13-year-old was making her way home from school and had just got off a bus in the Auckland suburb of Beach Haven.
She had only walked about 10 to 15 metres when a man wearing a black balaclava grabbed her on the arm and tried to pull her towards his car parked by the kerb, police said today.
However, the girl managed to fend off her attacker and ran to the safety of her home nearby.
The girl was shaken by the experience yesterday afternoon and immediately reported it to police.
Officers have spoken to the victim again this morning and a small team of police has completed door to door inquiries in the area.
A police spokesman said: "Factors surrounding this attack give cause for serious concern.
"These include the nature of the full facial disguise worn by the offender and the openly blatant attempt to abduct this young victim in broad daylight."
They have issued a description of the offender, though his age and skin colour are not known.
He is described as "rather tall - possibly 175 cm" and was wearing a full black balaclava, with only the eyes visible.
He also had dark trousers tucked into black boots, other dark clothing, and black, motor cycle gloves.
This man was driving a late model dark coloured car, possibly modified or lowered. It had tinted windows, and was in good condition.
Police are appealing to the public for sightings of this vehicle or any other suspicious vehicle that may have been seen frequenting the Beach Haven suburb around 3.30-3.45pm yesterday.
Call 09 477 5103 or text 027 2727 669.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
