Photo: 123rf
An Auckland dad is in shock after his child had to run from a naked man doing a lewd act on himself on her way home from school.
Police were investigating the incident on Gladwin Road in Epsom which they said happened at about 3:35pm on Wednesday.
The dad, who wished to remain anonymous for his family's privacy, said his 14-year-old daughter saw the perpetrator after getting off the bus close to home.
"She passed a van and noticed a young-ish guy with shoulder-length hair with no clothes inside on performing a lewd act on himself."
As the van began to move in her direction, he said his daughter ran home.
He said she had taken time off school after the incident.
"We are just in shock," he said.
"I think everything is just sinking in."
He said his daughter's school had offered counselling, which he was appreciative of.
He said he was more wary about letting his children be alone in the area after what happened.
"You don't expect this to happen in your area let alone to your children.
"I'll definitely be thinking more carefully about letting the kids walk and bike around the area now."
He said police told him they would be checking CCTV footage in the area and he hoped the man would be reprimanded soon.
Area Investigations Manager for Auckland City East Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves said police had obtained a photo of the light-coloured van in the Gladwin Road area.
"Police would like anyone who saw this vehicle, or has further information concerning it to contact us."
"I'd also encourage the driver of this vehicle, who knows who they are, to stop delaying the inevitable and come to speak with Police."
