Timaru Police have arrested a man in connection with the suspected abduction and assault of a nine year-old boy last Thursday [15 November].
A 26-year old Timaru man was arrested last night [20 November] and will appear in the Timaru District Court today on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Inspector Dave Gaskin says the arrest was made largely as a result of assistance from the public.
"We received a great deal of useful information from members of the public, that has helped us piece together a good picture of what occurred on the day," he says. "We're extremely grateful for that assistance.
"It's also important to reassure people that this was not a case of a random abduction - the alleged offender and the victim were known to each other."
Inspector Gaskin says the boy is recovering well in hospital.
ENDS