Woman sought after 'child kidnap attempt'

Police are seeking a woman after a reported attempted child kidnapping in Hamilton yesterday.

Witnesses called police about 2.40pm yesterday, after a man allegedly assaulted Terina Watene, 23, at Westfield Shopping Centre in Chartwell, then attempted to take her young son.

"However, on our arrival we found the incident had been one of a domestic nature. Independent witnesses were able to tell us it was the woman who actually struck the man first," Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Faulkner said.

"The man then chased the woman, punched and kicked her before fleeing with the young child remaining with his mother."

Security footage verified witness accounts, and the man was arrested and charged with male assaults female, he said.

However, Watene, who had a warrant out for her arrest, fled before police arrived.

Police were keen to speak to her and wanted to hear from anyone with information, Mr Faulkner said.

She is described as a solidly built Maori, about 1.76m tall.

- NZPA