Police hunt: Man tries to snatch young girl off West Auckland street

A man tried to grab a student from Green Bay High School in West Auckland.

Police are hunting for a man who tried to abduct an Auckland schoolgirl in broad daylight.

The Green Bay High School student was targeted at 4.23pm yesterday in West Auckland.

“We were notified that an unknown male driving a vehicle had slowed down next to the victim walking on South Titirangi Rd near the intersection with Tinopai Rd.

“He has attempted to start a conversation with her before he reached out of the vehicle and grabbed her by the arm,” a police spokesperson said.

The vehicle was a white-coloured flat deck truck, with sign writing on its side.

The driver was a European male aged in his 50s.

“Thankfully, she has managed to break free of his grasp and run home, where she informed her parents.”

Police are in the area today to provide reassurance, the spokesperson said.

Green Bay High School Principal Fiona Barker said she learnt of the event this morning after being contacted by the student’s family.

“[The student is] being supported by our guidance team and we are in close contact with their family,” Barker said.

“We have let our community know about the situation, as well as getting in touch with schools in the area.”

The school notified the public of the incident on social media this morning.

The school said police recommended students walk or bike to and from school with a buddy, and not use hidden tracks or areas that cannot be seen from the road.

“Never get in a vehicle or go somewhere with someone you do not know.

“If a person is persistent, follows you and won’t leave you alone scream ‘HELP, HELP, HELP’ as loudly as you can. Repeat this while getting as far away as possible.”

The school had closed early yesterday at 12.30pm for parent/student/teacher conferences.

“School buses are not able to come early, however, supervision will be available in the school library,” the school said.

Anyone who may be feeling unsafe or has concerns about suspicious behaviour should call police on 111.

Anyone in the Titirangi, Green Bay or New Lynn area at the time, including those driving with dash cam footage, are asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 240319/5568.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.