Christchurch Police are investigating an alleged sexual violation which occurred yesterday [Thursday 8 December] at the Occupy Christchurch site in Hagley Park.
Detective Sergeant Darryl Sweeney says Police were contacted yesterday evening in relation to an alleged sexual violation on a teenage girl, mid-afternoon on Thursday.
The site was secured overnight, a scene examination has been completed this morning and enquiries are continuing.
Police are speaking to a number of people at the Occupy site, Detective Sergeant Sweeney says, and protesters are being fully cooperative with the investigation.
The offender is described as a male Caucasian aged 20 to 25, approximately 1.52m (5ft) tall, with pale skin, short brown hair and blue eyes. He is believed to have had a brown Staffy dog (Staffordshire bull terrier) with him.
There is no indication at present as to whether the offender is connected to the protest group, he says.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who can help us identify the offender, or who may have been in the vicinity of the Occupy site on Thursday afternoon and noticed any suspicious activity."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Christchurch Police on (03) 3637400, or to provide information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS