Palmerston North police are looking for a man who attempted to drag a teenage girl to his car before she managed to break free.

The incident occurred on Tremaine Ave near the intersection of Botanical Rd about 8.30am on Thursday.

The 17-year-old was waiting for a friend when a vehicle, described as a navy blue station wagon with dirt on the wheels and sides, stopped nearby.

The man got out of the vehicle and walked a short distance to where the teen, dressed in blue jeans and a grey jersey, was standing.

Without warning, he grabbed her around the waist from behind and began pulling her backwards.

She kicked him in the shin with her heel, causing him to release her, then ran.



Detective Carl Newton said the teen reacted quickly and prevented any further escalation of the incident.

"At this stage, it's difficult to know what the man's intentions were, but nonetheless this behaviour is concerning. Police need to find out who this man is."



The man was described as a male Maori with a roundish face.

He had a shaven head and was wearing a dark long-sleeved top and dark pants.



Police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen the navy blue station wagon, or the man described, on Tremaine Avenue near Lynwood Close around the time of the incident.



Any information can be provided to Detective Carl Newton on (06) 213 9578 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.