Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 13-year-old Timaru girl at Washdyke on Tuesday appealed yesterday for people living south of Timaru to be on the lookout for a person of interest.
The incident is alleged to have taken place about 8pm when the girl was approached by a male while riding her bike on State Highway 8 near Sir Basil Arthur Park.
A short time later the man dragged the girl off her bicycle, across a fence and into a bush area, before a person at a nearby property saw the attack and went to the girl's aid. The offender ran off.
Washdyke man Blaine Ross Hughes (20) is being sought in relation to the incident. Detective Senior Sergeant Marion Neill said police believed he had information that could help the inquiry. She said that following the release of a photo of Hughes yesterday, four likely sightings in the past 48 hours were reported south of Timaru .
''One person reported seeing the man on Wednesday night in the Blue Cliffs Rd area near the Pareora River, while another sighting was reported at Otaio near St Andrews on Wednesday night.
''We also have possible sightings reported yesterday in Makikihi and this morning at St Andrews,'' Det Snr Sgt Neill said.
It is believed he is driving a green Isuzu Bighorn, registration YA9089, which was reported stolen from Washdyke on Wednesday.
Hughes is described as a male Caucasian, of dark complexion, aged in his 20s, about 174cm tall, clean-shaven, with dark hair and of solid build.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Timaru police on (03) 687-9808. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
