Sunday, 20 November 2016 - 2:38pm |
Waitematā

Child’s welfare a priority in Waitemata Police investigation

1 min read

Police are continuing to support the family of an 11-year-old boy who was abducted and assaulted in the Ranui area of west Auckland on Thursday afternoon (17 November 2016).

“The welfare of the child is paramount in this investigation. Due to the traumatic nature of this event, specialist interviewers have only had a brief conversation with the victim. They will ascertain when it is appropriate to speak to him again,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh.

The investigation is fully resourced and progressing with support from detectives, Child Protection teams, and detectives from the Child Protection Team Register team.

We would like to thank the public for the good response we have had so far. Police and Crimestoppers have received more than 40 calls with information from members of the public. Fifteen of those were to Crimestoppers.

Police continue to welcome sightings of a man driving a grey van just before 4pm on Thursday afternoon.

“In particular, we’re asking if anyone saw the boy, the van and anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Metcalf Rd and Swanson Rd at about 4.15pm,” says Mr McIntosh.

“We are also appealing for anyone with private CCTV or smart phone footage from Thursday afternoon to contact Police.

There will be a Police presence in the area before and after school tomorrow.

Any information about the incident can be given to Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh on 021 191 2659.

Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Police Media Centre