Ranui assault: Child's welfare 'paramount'

The boy was abducted and assaulted after leaving the Ranui train station on Thursday afternoon (Newshub.)
The boy was abducted and assaulted after leaving the Ranui train station on Thursday afternoon (Newshub.)

Police and Crimestoppers have received more than 40 calls with information from members of the public in regards to the sexual assault of an 11-year-old boy in Ranui on Thursday afternoon.

Specialist interviewers have briefly spoken to the young victim, but are yet have a full conversation with him due to the "traumatic nature of this event", police say.

"The welfare of the child is paramount in this investigation," says Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh.

"They will ascertain when it is appropriate to speak to him again."

Police say the investigation is progressing, with support from detectives and child protection teams.

They have thanked the public for its support, and continue to appeal for 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 Det Snr Sgt McIntosh.

"We are also appealing for anyone with private CCTV or smartphone footage from Thursday afternoon to contact police."

Police will be monitoring the area before and after school on Monday.

Information about the incident can be given to Det Snr Sgt McIntosh on 021 191 2659, or given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Givealittle page has been launched for the family called Kiwis Unite.

Newshub.