Police appeal for help to find Washdyke man

Photo of Blaine Ross Hughes, released by police.

Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 13-year old Timaru girl at Washdyke on Tuesday have appealed for help from local residents.

Officers are trying to find Blaine Ross Hughes, aged 20, of Washdyke, in relation to the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Neill said after a photo of Hughes was released yesterday, four likely sightings have been reported in the area south of Timaru over the past 48 hours.

"One person reported seeing the man on Wednesday night in the Blue Cliffs Road area near the Pareora River, while another sighting was reported at Otaio near St Andrews overnight on Wednesday.

"We also have possible sightings reported yesterday in Makikihi and this morning at St Andrews.

"We are asking residents around Pareora, St Andrews and Otaio and towards Waimate, to be alert for any sightings of Hughes."

He's believed to be in a green Isuzu Bighorn, registration YA9089, which was reported stolen from a Washdyke address on Wednesday.

Hughes is described as a male caucasian, of dark complexion, aged in his twenties, approximately 174cm (5ft 8in) tall, clean-shaven, with dark hair and solid build.

Contact Timaru Police on 03 6879808, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.