Canterbury Police are investigating the attempted abduction of an 11 year old girl that occurred at around 7.15am today (10 December 2015) at a bus stop outside Meadow Mushrooms on Springs Road in Prebbleton.
Shortly after the girl saw a red car drive past her and do a u-turn a man is understood to have approached her on foot, tried to grab her and drag her with him says Detective Sergeant Colin Baillie. “The girl, who was on her own, screamed and when another car drove past the man fled the scene in the same direction he approached her from.”
The man is described as approximately 183cm tall, thin build, scruffy whiskers and darker than ‘average’ skin with a circular green tattoo on the left hand side of his neck. He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, black jeans, black shoes and black woollen gloves.
“The girl did the right thing by screaming, not going with the man and telling a trusted adult about the incident so they could call Police. It is not known whether the red car and the man are linked, but Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw the car or the man in the area this morning” explained Detective Sergeant Baillie.
This is a timely reminder for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about being vigilant and raising the alarm if approached by strangers by making noise, flagging down passing vehicles or pedestrians and reporting any approach to a trusted adult.
Anyone with any information is urged to call Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District