A man sought by police in relation to an attempted abduction outside a Hastings school yesterday has turned himself in.

The man came to Hastings police station last night and was being interviewed by officers today, police said.

It follows an attempted abduction outside St Matthew's Primary School in King St shortly before 9am.

A man was seen following two siblings as they walked to school together, police said. A 5-year-old boy was following behind his sister, 10, and as they reached the school entrance, the man grabbed the boy by the hand and started leading him down the road, police said.

The youngster cried out, and his sister turned around and called out to him.

The man then let go of the boy's hand and fled the scene, police said.

Photographs of a man who was seen in the area at the time of the incident were released by police yesterday, and the man in the photographs went to police last night.

No charges have been laid.

Detective Rob Parker said police were still keen to hear from anyone who had seen the incident outside St Matthew's Primary School. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact him on 06 831 0700.