The mother of a young New Zealand girl, alerted by her daughter's screams, helped prevent a man from carrying out a sexually-motivated attack on her, police say.
The mum ran to her daughter's aid after a man had grabbed the six-year-old and carried her into the Glendene Reserve in Henderson, west Auckland, about 8.20pm local time on Wednesday.
He released the girl and ran off into the reserve, leaving behind a pair of white thongs.
Police say the girl, though very shaken, was not injured in the attack and was being supported by family.
It is thought the young man, described as being of skinny build and with dark skin, may reside in the area.
"We believe this man may live locally and family members might have noticed him arriving home in wet clothing and barefoot at around 9pm last night," said Detective Sergeant Peter Litherland.
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