New Zealand / Crime

Man arrested after young girl indecently assaulted at Manukau park

12:42 pm on 1 November 2024

The girl was attacked in Aronia Park in South Auckland last Friday night. Photo: Google Maps

Police have arrested a man after an attack on a young girl at a park in Manukau last week.

The suspect approached the child - who was playing in Aronia Park, Goodwood Heights at about 8pm on Friday - and offered to walk her home.

Police say he then indecently assaulted her in a nearby bush.

He fled the scene after she screamed for help, prompting a neighbour to call the police.

On Friday, police said they had taken one person into custody.

"We would like to thank those members of the public who came forward with information, leading to an arrest being made," Inspector Adam Pyne said.

Charges were being considered.

A primary school and a preschool near the scene of the attack told RNZ earlier this week police did not alert them to what had happened.

Everglade Primary School principal John Robinson said police asked about CCTV, but did not mention what had happened.

"I found out about it last night. My wife said 'hey, this is on the Herald website, that's near your school isn't it?' and I looked and thought, 'Yes it is, my goodness, what is this?' and that was the first I knew."

Robinson did not know who the victim was, or whether they were a current or former student of the school.

BestStart Everglade Preschool Centre manager Candice Bester also said she was asked for CCTV without being told why.

"It's just really sad that our kids can't be walking around by themselves, or going to a park."

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