Teen charged with kidnap after Rotorua incident

Rotorua police have charged a teenager after a woman was allegedly kidnapped in the city early today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said tonight the 16-year-old was alleged to have entered an unlocked house in the city's Ngongotaha district early today, searched the dwelling and kidnapped the sole occupant, a woman, after finding her car keys.

Mr Loper said that after the driving the victim around Rotorua for some time, the teenager abandoned the car less than 1km from her home.

He was charged with kidnapping, aggravated burglary and taking the car. He will appear in Rotorua Youth Court tomorrow.

Mr Loper said the investigation was not complete despite the arrest.

Police tonight would not disclose further details, declining to say whether the offender knew the victim and whether she was harmed. They would not give her age.

- NZPA