Girl screams, runs after stranger's approach

Dunedin police are full of praise for a Dunedin schoolgirl who screamed and ran when a man allegedly tried to touch her this morning.

Detective Sergeant John Hedges said the 14-year-old, dressed in a school uniform, was walking to school when she was approached by a man about 9.20am.

"He approached the schoolgirl and (allegedly) made an attempt to touch her while asking her to come with him," Mr Hedges said.

"The schoolgirl was able to scream and ran to the nearest shop for safety.

"She did all the right things."

A witness followed the man and called police.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with offensive behaviour and was due to appear in Dunedin District Court this afternoon.

- NZPA