Police have increased patrols around a Palmerston North school after a girl was abducted.
Police say a man coerced the nine-year-old into his car as she walked along Shamrock Street towards Our Lady of Lourdes School on Tuesday morning and drove her to the outskirts of the city and back.
Police say there was no physical contact between the driver and girl, but he spoke to her inappropriately and she became extremely distressed.
Inspector Pat Hancock says patrols have been boosted around the school and a list of potential suspects is being drawn up.
Mr Hancock says police are also investigating whether the incident is linked to the attempted abduction of a 10-year-old girl at another Palmerston North school earlier in June.
The principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School says she has sent a note to parents saying they should either walk with their children to school or have them walk in groups.
Jacinda Cousins says teachers have also warned pupils not to accept rides from people they do not know.
