Two teenaged girls had terrifying experiences in Westmere this morning when, during independent confrontations, a man attempted to kidnap them.
In the first incident, a 17 year-old girl on her way to Western Springs College was approached on Meola Rd and threatened by a man who said he had a gun and would shoot her if she didn't get into his car.
The girl managed to scare the man off by screaming and running off to school, from where she informed teachers and called Police at about 8.50am.
A couple of hours later - at about 10.30am - a 14 year-old girl who was running late for school at Western Springs College was kidnapped from Motions Rd - near a service entrance to the Zoo across the road from Jagger's Bush - and driven off in a car.
She managed to escape from the car when it stopped at the nearby intersection of Old Mill and Garnet Rds.
From there she ran to her home which was close by and her mother then called Police.
While Police have no way of knowing whether the same offender is responsible for both incidents, they are alarmed about the daylight offences and are appealing for any witnesses who haven't already given their details to Police, to contact the Auckland City District Crime Squad on 09 302 6789.
Police are trying to establish descriptions of the offender or offenders and the vehicle or vehicles involved. The 14 year-old kidnapping victim is currently being interviewed by Police.