A 15-year-old girl has been hailed for her bravery after fighting off a man who attacked her in daylight on a rural Bay of Plenty road.
Police said the girl was dropped off by her school bus at the corner of Gulliver Rd and State Highway 2 at about 4.00pmyesterday.
She was walking along Gulliver Road when she was attacked from behind by an offender described as a tall, skinny Indian man who was about 20 years old.
The girl fought off her attacker after a short struggle, police said.
Mr Yardley called on parents to be vigilant while police hunted the offender.
"Whilst we don't want the community to be unduly alarmed it is clearly important that we identify this offender.
"Parents can tell their children to immediately report anything suspicious to police or a trusted adult and look out for each other if they out walking with a friend."
Someone may have given the offender a ride to an area near where the attack took place, Mr Yardley said.
He appealed for anyone who had seen someone who matched the description of the offender to come forward to police.
YOU CAN HELP:
To give information on the case call Te Puke police on 07 573 9147 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
