Attempted Abuduction of Young Girl in Wellington

Wellington CIB is investigating an incident where a male has tried to abduct a young girl on the intersection of Adelaide Road and Britomart Street, Berhampore, Wellington on Saturday 28th March 2009.
A 7 year old girl had just been into one of the local shops and was waiting by the traffic lights when she was picked up by the male who tried to carry her off.
Detective Sergeant Michael Patz said ' At about 11.30am the male has approached the 7 year old girl and picked her up, before trying to carry her off. A passing witness heard the girl screaming and challenged the male. He has put the girl down and made off along Adelaide Road towards Luxford Street.'
The male is described as African, 6' tall, medium build with short black hair with possibly stubble or facial hair. He was wearing dark clothing and shoes.
'We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the male in the area at the time. We have been informed by a witness that prior to the incident the male tried to get into a small red hatchback car which had stopped at the traffic lights, so we would encourage the occupants of that car to come forward.'
Detective Sergeant Michael Patz said that, 'We are aware that there were a lot of people in the area at the time, either shopping or driving through who may have seen the young girl or male and we would welcome their calls. Fortunately due to the intervention of the passing witness the girl did not suffer any physical injuries.'
The young girl is described as Asian with black hair, and wearing pink coloured pyjamas and white shoes.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can contact the Wellington CIB on 04 381 2000 or 0800 TIPOFF.
Michael Patz
Detective Sergeant
Squad 5
Wellington CIB