A 38-year-old man appeared in Hastings District Court today over a "serious incident" involving two children in Havelock North on Thursday.
Police said the man has been charged with kidnapping and threatening to kill/do grievous bodily harm.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again on October 31.
Police said two children were walking in the Nimon St area on October 5 around 6.45pm, when they were approached by a man who coerced them into going with him.
The man allegedly made threats to the children and forced them to stay with him.
Inspector Martin James said the children managed to escape and ran to safety at a nearby house, where the homeowner called the police.
"The man attempted to flee the area but a quick response from our police staff with the help of the residents in Havelock North saw the man arrested," James said on Thursday.
He said police are confident it was an isolated incident, and appealed to "residents of Legorne Lane, Brookvale Road, Woodlands Drive, Russell Robertson Drive and Ayrhire Drive wider area" to check their properties for clothing items that do not belong.
Police today thanked residents who helped them locate a black puffer jacket and other items being sought, however more details about a mauve-coloured night dress found on the accused is being sought.
"Police are still trying to identify where [the dress] was taken from," police said today. "If you are able to assist in this regard, please contact police via 105."
A further appeal for a "number of potential witnesses, including people who were out walking dogs or playing sport in the area" was put out by police this afternoon.
"If you were in the Nimon Street area around 6.30pm on Thursday October 5 and saw something which could assist our ongoing investigation, please get in touch."
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