UPDATED: Police have issued a description of a man suspected of the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl delivering newspapers in Mount Maunganui.

The girl was delivering newspapers in the Bain Street area about 11.15am when a man not known to her approached her.

This morning's events occured on Bain Street, Mount Maunganui.

The alleged offender is described as a male Maori, about 50-years-old, who was last seen driving at speed down Riverton Road towards Tay Street.

Police say the man had been parked in a white coloured light truck with writing on both sides of it on Bain Street, near the corner of Riverton Road.

'As the young girl walked past the truck, the man has grabbed her by the arm,” says a statement from police.

'The girl has managed to break free and run off to a nearby house, where police were contacted.”

Fortunately the girl was not physically harmed, say police.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Bain Street around 11.15am and may have seen the man or the vehicle.

People with information are asked to contact the Mount Maunganui Police Station on 07 575 3143.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.