Police seek grey ute driver after child assaulted at Havelock North BMX park
Police are seeking the driver of a grey ute after a 12-year-old was assaulted at a Hawke’s Bay BMX park.
The child was at Guthrie Park in Havelock North when he was approached at around 3.10pm on Friday.
Detective Inspector James Keene said police are appealing for information from the public about a grey Nissan Navara ute with roof racks, but no canopy, believed to be driven by the suspect.
The number plate is unknown.
“Police would also like to hear urgently from anyone who was in the area who may have witnessed anything in Guthrie Park, the carpark or the BMX park.
“If you were in the carpark between 2-3.30pm, please contact us.”
Police are also looking for any dashcam or cellphone footage, captured at the same time, that shows a vehicle of a similar description, Keene said.
“Police know incidents such as this can cause concern in our community, however we would urge people to be alert, not alarmed, and take care to note your surroundings if you are out alone in a public place.
“Please call police on 111 if you feel unsafe or notice anything suspicious.”
Officers will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area today and in the coming days, Keene said.
Anyone with information can contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105 using the reference number 260605/8399.