Ranui abduction: Police narrow appeal for info

• Few details available about offender as the victim, 11, is too traumatised to speak
• Police have narrowed their appeal for public information
• They are focusing on the Metcalf and Swanson Rds area about 4.15pm on Thursday
• More than 80 calls to police have already been received
• Further information can be phoned in to 021 191 2659 or anonymously on 0800 555 111

Few details are available about the terrifying abduction and sexual assault of an 11-year-old boy in West Auckland last week.

Police continue to appeal for information to help their investigation, which is hindered by the victim being too traumatised to talk about the horrific assault.

The boy was abducted on Ranui Station Rd about 3.55pm on Thursday after he had caught a train from his school into the area.

Police said that a stranger stopped to ask him for directions, before forcing him in to a grey van and subjecting him to a four-hour attack, before dropping him back into the area around 8pm.

Waitemata Police Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh said police investigating the abduction and sexual assault have received more than 80 phone calls from members of the public.

"We're incredibly appreciative to those who are calling us and providing information. Everything helps and we're busy assessing information and following up on details," McIntosh said.

"This is an active investigation, fully-resourced and continues to progress well with tactical support from child protection teams, detectives from the child protection team register and other detectives.

"We continue to support the victim and his family and while we appreciate the high level of interest in this case, we are not yet in a position to provide further information on the investigation."

More specific details will be released when police are in a position to.

However, police appear to have narrowed their request for information to the Metcalf and Swanson Rds areas.

"We are still appealing for any sightings of a grey van, the boy and anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Metcalf Rd and Swanson Rd about 4.15pm last Thursday.

"Any smart phone footage or CCTV footage from the area last Thursday would also be valuable."

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh on 021 191 2659, or anonymous tip line Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.