Police are investigating an attempted kidnapping that occurred in the Far North over the weekend.

Just before 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon a teenage girl was walking along the footpath on State Highway 12 near the Omapere Playcentre when she was approached by two men driving an older model black sedan.

The man sitting in the front passenger seat grabbed the girl's handbag and pulled her into the car, however she managed to break free before the car took off.

The passenger of the vehicle is described as Maori of stocky build wearing a red shirt and beanie and black sunglasses.

The driver is described as Caucasian with dark sunglasses.

Police want to hear from anybody who may have information about this incident.