23 March 2016
Sexually motivated assault near Edgecumbe
Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a young female on Matata Road near Edgecumbe.
At approximately 6:00pm on Monday the 21st of March 2016 a young female was cycling on Matata Road West of Edgecumbe. She was approached by an unknown male who was running in the area.
This male is alleged to have approached the female, pushed her off her bicycle then sexually assaulted her.
Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area around this time who may have seen anything suspicious, or have seen a male running in the area.
Detective Ash CLEMENTS of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Adult Sexual Assault Team states, “Clearly this incident is of extreme concern both to the police and the wider community. The actions of this male were unprovoked and have occurred in daylight hours on a very public road. Members of the public are asked to provide any information, even if it appears to be minor, to police as soon as possible.”
Information can be provided to the Whakatane Police on 07 308-5255, the Edgecumbe police on 07 304-9004, or anonymously via the CRIME STOPPERS line 0800 111 555.