Driver tries to abduct Matamata schoolgirl

Matamata police are appealing for sightings of a middle-aged man who tried to get a young girl into his car while she was walking to school.

Detective Steve Langdon of the Matamata-Piako CIB said the man, who was unknown to the schoolgirl, approached her near the corner of Short and Smith Sts - less than 500m from Matamata Intermediate - about 8am on Friday.

He demanded that the girl, believed to be about 11 or 12 years old, get into his car.

Mr Langdon said the man was believed to be aged between 50 and 60, with pale skin, a bushy beard and grey hair, some of which looked curly as it stuck out from under a black beanie he was wearing.

"The man was also described as wearing a jumper and sweat pants and the car he was driving was described as a red, four-door sedan with possibly faded paint work."

Mr Langdon said police had concerns about the man's behaviour and had contacted all schools in the town to advise them of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Matamata police station on (07) 888-7117.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.