Two children were approach in the street and forced to go with a man Photo: 123RF
Two children kidnapped by a man on a Havelock North Street managed to escape and ran to a nearby house for help.
Eastern District Crime Manager Martin James says the two children were walking in the Nimon Street area at about 6.45pm when they were approached by the man and "coerced" into going with him.
"The man made threats to the children and forced them to stay with him.
"The children managed to escape from the man and ran to safety at a nearby house, where the homeowner alerted police."
While he attempted to flee the area, officers were quickly on the scene and with the help of local residents, they soon arrested him.
"Police are confident that this has been an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing risk to the public," James said.
Meanwhile, police were asking residents of Legorne Lane, Brookvale Road, Woodlands Drive, Russell Robertson Drive and Ayrhire Drive to check their properties for items of clothing, including a black puffer jacket, which was thought to have been dumped by the man involved.
Investigators also want to identify where he acquired a mauve-coloured night dress.
Police will be going door-to-door in the area today as part of their ongoing enquiries, and offering reassurance to residents.
A 38-year-old man is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today, facing charges of kidnapping and threatening to kill.