The girl was walking by the corner of Kirkcaldy St and Bayview Rd to meet her mother farther down the street when she was dragged into a carport by the alleged attacker.
A Bayview Rd neighbour told the Otago Daily Times she heard screaming about the time of the alleged attack.
"It gets pretty noisy here with all the young people on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
"I thought it was them so I didn't go outside ... I wish I did."
Dunedin police were appealing for information from anyone in the area between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday, and who may have seen either the girl, or a male dressed in dark clothing and aged between 16 and 25 years.
Detective Sergeant Brett Roberts, of the Dunedin CIB, said a specialist child interviewer had talked to the girl, who had earlier provided a description of the alleged attacker.
Yesterday morning, police, including a photographer, conducted a scene examination of the property, while officers talked to neighbours.
He urged the public to take normal care, and vigilance was recommended until more details emerged.
Det Sgt Roberts said anyone with information should call CIB staff on (03) 471-4800, or provide information anonymously via the Crime Stoppers line on 0800 555-111.
