Kidnapping charge laid after man allegedly threatens two girls in Havelock North

Police will be going door-to-door in the area as part of the ongoing enquiries. Photo / Paul Taylor

Police have arrested a man and charges have been laid following a serious incident in Havelock North yesterday.

At about 6.45pm two children walking in the Nimon St area were approached by a man and coerced into going with him.

The man made threats to the girls and forced them to stay with him.

The children managed to escape from the man and ran to safety at a nearby house, where the homeowner alerted police.

Martin James, Eastern District crime manager, said the man attempted to flee the area but a “quick response from our police staff with the help of the residents in Havelock North saw the man arrested”.

“Police would like to thank the members of the public who assisted in resolving this concerning incident.”

Police are keen to know where this item of clothing came from, following an incident in Havelock North on Thursday.

It is timely to remind the public to report any suspicious activity to 105 or if it there is immediate danger to 111.

A statement released by Te Mata School and Havelock North Intermediate said the two children were approached by a stranger while playing at school.

“We want to commend both children who remained calm and handled the situation incredibly well. Due to their clever thinking and teamwork they were able to have a safe outcome.”

The statement said both schools were working with police and the families involved.

Detectives are confident this has been an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Police are appealing to the residents of Legorne Lane, Brookvale Rd, Woodlands Drive, Russell Robertson Drive and Ayrshire Drive wider area to check their properties for items of clothing that don’t belong there.

“It’s thought that the man involved dumped a black puffer jacket and other property within this area.

“He has acquired a mauve-coloured night dress from somewhere within this area, as pictured in the image accompanying this release. We wish to identify where this has been taken from,” James said.

Police will be going door-to-door in the area as part of the ongoing enquiries, and to offer reassurance to residents.

A 38-year-old man is due to appear in the Hasting District Court on Friday facing charges of kidnapping and threatening to kill.