Police seek information on attempted abductions in Christchurch

Christchurch, September 21, 2018
Christchurch Police are appealing for information following reports of two attempted abductions in the Christchurch City area this morning.
First incident
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Worner, Metro Crime Squads said that the Police were speaking to a man in relation to the incidents.
The first incident occurred around 530 am this morning.
Witnesses have told Police that a man confronted a woman at her car in the Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre main carpark on Ilam Road.
“The man then fled on a bicycle heading through Jellie Park past the swimming complex and onto Greers Road,” Mr Worner said.
Second incident
The second incident occurred at around 550 am, when the same man tried to abduct a woman jogger at the entrance to Ray Blank Park on Maidstone Road, Ilam.
“The woman fought off the man and a member of the public driving past stopped to help her. The man got back on his bicycle and rode off down Maidstone Road towards Avonhead. A member of the public followed him in their car and saw him ride into a cul-de-sac street nearby,” Mr Worner said.
Police are yet to speak with this witness and encourage them to ring Canterbury Police on (03) 3637400 immediately.
Man in custody
“Police went to the address, and located the man who is now in custody. We have spoken to both victims and we are ensuring they are given the support they need. We would really like to thank the member of the public who stopped to help the second victim,” Mr Worner said.
Christchurch Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed either incident and encourage them to ring Christchurch Police immediately on 03 363 7400.
“We ask these people to contact us right away, their assistance this morning has been invaluable. It is important to remember that people should be alert, not alarmed following these incidents. As the alleged offender is talking to Police, we are confident the public has no reason to be concerned,” Mr Worner said.
If you see a crime happening call 111 immediately.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Worner