An eight-year-old boy from Rowandale School in Manurewa, Auckland, was allegedly forced into a car yesterday while walking home.
“Our family is shaken by a terrifying incident that occurred today, and we feel it is critical to warn our community,” a family member of the boy wrote on Facebook while sharing the ordeal.
The boy was approached by a man he described as being in his mid-50s to 60s, wearing a camouflage hunting jersey and black pants.
The Facebook post also included key details to help identify the suspect and the vehicle:
Suspect & Vehicle Description
Suspect: Polynesian man, approximately in his mid-50s to 60s
Clothing: Camouflage hunting jersey, black long pants
Vehicle: Small white sedan with offensive words written on the side panels, along with an image of a raised middle finger
Fortunately, two parents witnessed the incident unfolding and stepped in just in time.
“Thankfully, two individuals intervened and helped prevent the worst from happening,” the post added.
In a statement, police said they are investigating a man’s interaction with a child outside Rowandale School on Monday afternoon.
“At around 3pm, a man approached a young boy and began interacting with him as he was walking home on the footpath,” the statement said.
“Police are still working to understand exactly what was occurring at the time, and our enquiries are ongoing.”
“We have spoken with the boy and will continue to work through a careful process given he is a young person,” it added.
Police are also working with Rowandale School and providing reassurance to the school community.
CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed.
“We ask anyone with information to contact us. Call 105 using the reference number 250505/2064,” the statement said.
ISSUE
