By 3 News online staff
Police in west Auckland are hunting a man who snatched and assaulted a six-year-old girl last night.
The girl was playing with two others on Glendene Avenue, when they were approached by a man who grabbed her, took her to a nearby creek and began assaulting her, say police.
Her mother heard the screams and ran to help, and the offender fled into Glendene Reserve, leaving behind a pair of white jandals.
The young girl was unhurt, say police, but shaken up by the attack, which police say was sexually motivated.
"We believe this man may live locally and family members might have noticed him arriving home in wet clothing and barefoot at around 9pm last night," says Detective Sergeant Peter Litherland.
He was wearing a dark-coloured t-shirt, and described as young, skinny and dark-skinned.
Police would like to talk to anyone who may have seen him between 8pm and 9pm on the corner of Farquhar Rd and Phelps Pl. Anyone with information should call them on 09 8390627, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
3 News
source: newshub archive
