The police are urging parents and children to be vigilant, following the abduction of a girl in Palmerston North yesterday.
A man coerced the nine-year-old into his car, as she walked along Shamrock Street at about 8.30am on Tuesday, and drove her to the outskirts of the city and back.
Detective Sergeant Gary Milligan says there was no physical contact between the driver and the girl, but he spoke to her inappropriately and she became extremely distressed.
The man is described as Pakeha, aged in his mid 20s to early 30s, with short brown or black hair and driving a grey, four-door, older make of car.
Mr Milligan says it isn't clear whether there is a link with an approach made to a 10-year-old girl earlier this month.
He says police are working closely with school staff to increase awareness of the dangers and provide re-assurance.
The police are asking anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact them.
