Concerns teen being held against her will by man sought by police

Police have grave concerns for LA Tukerangi. Photo / Facebook

Police have grave concerns for a 15-year-old girl who has told her family she is being held against her will by a man who has ties to the wider Bay of Plenty area.

Police said they want to speak to Dean Wayne Whakatau, 36, who is believed to have been with LA Tukerangi as recently as yesterday morning.

LA made contact with a family member on Saturday asking for help and indicating that she was being held against her will.

A warrant is out for Whakatau's arrest for breach of release conditions and the public are warned not to approach him.

Police said they want to speak to Dean Wayne Whakatau. Photo / Supplied via Police

He is described as 170cm tall, solid build and is missing two front teeth.

Police are asking for any sightings of LA Tukerangi or Dean Whakatau to be reported immediately by the 111 system.

Anyone with any general information about the pair or where they might be are asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099.

In April, Whakatau was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for two counts of burglary.
At the trial he was referred to as a "career criminal" by police.

He has been convicted nearly 50 times for dishonesty offending and police said he was someone who "takes advantage of good-natured and trusting people".

In 2005 he went on the run from police after escaping a police station cell where he was being held accused of rape and kidnapping.