Havelock North, June 7, 2026 — Police are investigating an assault on a 12-year-old child that took place at Guthrie Park on Friday. The incident, which occurred around 3:10 pm at the BMX park area, has prompted authorities to urge the public for information that could help identify the suspect.
According to Detective Inspector James Keene, the child was approached by a stranger in the park. Police believe the suspect may have been driving a grey Nissan Navara ute equipped with roof racks but no canopy, though the vehicle’s number plate remains unknown. Authorities are seeking any witnesses who may have seen the vehicle or the suspect in the park between 2 pm and 3:30 pm, as well as any dashcam or cellphone footage from the area during that timeframe.
What happened at Guthrie Park?
The assault occurred at approximately 3:10 pm on Friday at Guthrie Park in Havelock North. A 12-year-old child was approached by a stranger in the BMX park section of the park. While no further details about the nature of the assault have been released, police have described the suspect as a stranger and are seeking public assistance to identify them.
Detective Inspector James Keene confirmed the investigation and provided a description of the suspect’s possible vehicle—a grey Nissan Navara ute with roof racks but no canopy. The number plate of the vehicle is unknown, and police are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the incident to come forward.
Why is the public being asked to assist?
Police are relying on community cooperation to gather critical information that could lead to the suspect’s identification. The timeline provided—between 2 pm and 3:30 pm—narrows the window for potential witnesses, and authorities are particularly interested in dashcam or cellphone footage that may have captured the vehicle or the suspect in the area.
Detective Inspector Keene emphasized the importance of public vigilance while reassuring the community that police are not seeking to create alarm. “Be alert, not alarmed,” he advised, encouraging people to remain cautious, especially when alone in public spaces. The call for information is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police will likely continue to review any footage or witness statements that come forward, cross-referencing details to build a clearer picture of the suspect’s movements. The reassurance patrols mentioned by Detective Inspector Keene suggest that police will maintain a visible presence in the area, both to deter potential criminal activity and to reassure the community.
Should additional evidence emerge—such as further witness accounts or recovered footage—police may take steps to narrow down the suspect’s identity or even make an arrest. However, the investigation’s next steps will depend entirely on the information received from the public. For now, authorities are urging anyone with relevant details to contact them via the non-emergency line 105, referencing file number 260605/8399.
In the meantime, the public is advised to remain vigilant. If anyone feels unsafe or notices suspicious activity, they are instructed to call 111 immediately.
