21 Nov 2018

Man tries to get Wellington schoolgirl into van

4:47 pm on 21 November 2018

Wellington police are investigating after a schoolgirl was yelled at by a man, telling her to get in his van.

Police generic

Police are investigating after a man told a 12-year-old to get in his van in Wellington this morning. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The incident happened just before 9am this morning in Aro St, a police spokesperson said.

"A 12-year-old student who had been waiting for friends nearby was in the process of leaving the area when the male yelled at her to get in the van."

In a statement, Te Aro School said the girl did exactly what she should have by leaving immediately and telling school staff.

"The student reacted perfectly by not engaging and coming directly to school and informing her teacher of the incident."

The school contacted police, who are investigating further.

"We will be reminding our students about stranger danger and the importance of talking about these issues with a trusted adult. Please reinforce this message at home," the school said.

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