Police are seeking information in relation to an attempted abduction at Washdyke, near Timaru last night.
At about 8pm on Tuesday [3 December 2013] a 13-year old Timaru girl was riding her bike on State Highway 8 in the vicinity of Sir Basil Arthur Park when she was approached by an unknown male.
A short time later the male dragged the girl off her bicycle across a fence and into a bush area.
A witness from a nearby address saw the attack and went to the girl's aid. The alleged offender left the scene on foot.
Police and Ambulance were called. The girl suffered cuts and bruising and after receiving medical attention is recovering at home with her family.
Detective Senior Sergeant Marion Neill says the girl has been able to provide Police with a very good initial account of what occurred and will be interviewed further later today.
A dog track was not able to locate the offender and Police are continuing enquiries to find him. A vehicle parked nearby has been recovered by Police who are following positive lines of enquiry.
Police are asking anyone in the vicinity of Sir Basil Arthur Park between 7.45 and 8.20 pm, or anyone with information regarding this incident, to contact Timaru Police on (03) 6879808 as soon as possible.
ENDS