Lower Hutt Police investigating late night incident where teenager accosted

Lower Hutt Police are investigating an incident last night where a teenage girl was accosted by a man whilst walking home.

Acting Detective Sergeant Adrian Ross of the Lower Hutt CIB says at about 10:30pm last night, the 16 year-old victim was walking down Fairway Drive, between High Street and Taita Drive, where she was approached by a man in his 30s, who offered her money and cigarettes.

"It's alleged the victim has declined the requests of the offender and he has then grabbed her arm and told her to come with him, but the victim managed to get free and went to a nearby house for help."

The offender is described as a clean shaven Pacific Islander in his 30s of solid build, around 6 feet tall, with short black hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt and a lavalava.

Adrian Ross says in this instance the victim had a lucky escape but Police are concerned about the motivations of the offender and are urging anyone who may have seen the incident or the offender late last night in the vicinity of Fairway Drive to contact Police immediately on either (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.