Waikato Police seek public's assistance following Hamilton school incident

Hamilton Police are requesting assistance from the public as they seek to find the person responsible for some suspicious behaviour involving a child at a City primary school.

Detective Sergeant Robbie Hermann of the Waikato CIB said Police were called to the Hamilton West Primary School shortly before midday.

"Our investigation is in its formative stages but initial indications are that about 11.30am, as a 10-year-old boy left a classroom to walk to the toilet, he was approached by a teenage male.

"This male has led him a short distance to some trees and produced some chain, at this point our victim believes he was about to be tied up however a couple (two members of the public) who were walking along the nearby Hammond St appear to have spooked the offender and he has fled the scene on foot."

Mr Hermann said the boy has returned to the class and raised the alarm and the school have promptly alerted Police.

"Our 10-year-old victim was not physically harmed in the incident but is understandably confused by what has occurred and the priority for Police, the school and partner agencies is to ensure he and his family get the appropriate support they need.

"Both the initial attending officer and the principal described the victim as an intelligent and observant boy and it is the Police's position that the boy's claims are credible."

Mr Hermann said Police would very much like to hear from the couple who may have possibly disturbed the offender or from anyone else who may have noticed someone acting suspiciously in or around the school before the incident.

"The couple walking along Hammond St may not be aware of what has happened but they may recall seeing a teenage looking male fleeing the trees by the school.

"The offender is described as a male Caucasian aged about 15-years-old with short black hair wearing a grey shirt and black pants, anyone who may have seen someone in the area of the school at this time is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200."

Alternatively information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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