A man who held a knife to a toddler's throat and robbed her aunt in Pakuranga yesterday spoke to the child in Hindi.
The man is being hunted today after he robbed the toddler's 43-year-old aunt in a reserve in southeast Auckland.
He grabbed the two-year-old toddler, lifted her off the ground and held a knife, described as "looking like a flick knife" to her as he threatened the woman, police said.
"While he was doing that he was talking in perfect Hindi," said police spokeswoman, Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey.
"He said to the little girl, 'I am your uncle, don't worry' in Hindi. He also asked questions to the victim. He asked what the little girl's parents were called and where they lived."
Police are using interpreters to interview the aunt, who speaks Hindi but little English.
The woman was walking to the local intermediate school to pick up another niece when the man approached her from behind, Ms Gates-Bowey said.
The man snatched a gold chain from the victim's neck, her gold bangle and took her handbag before fleeing on a grey 'mini chopper' motorbike.
The incident happened in a reserve at the end of Stanniland St and Butley Drive in Pakuranga.
The man was described as about 25 with light brown skin, of medium build and about 175cm tall. He was clean shaven with short black hair and wore a white shirt and black trousers.
Ms Gates-Bowey said people have come forward to say they have seen the man driving in the area but police would still like more information about the man.
Anyone who may know the offender should call police on 09 571 2800.
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