Police believe the timely intervention of a blond haired passerby saved a young woman from being attacked after she was grabbed in Lyttelton Avenue, Porirua, two days ago.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Rongonui, Porirua CIB, is appealing for the blond haired woman in a white top to contact police. He'd also like to hear from other members of the public who saw what was happening or who know who the offender is.
The incident happened between 8.15am and 8.45am on Wednesday, 19 September, when a young woman was grabbed while walking to the public toilets in the bus stop complex opposite the Countdown supermarket on Lyttelton Avenue.
"The offender attempted to drag the woman into one of the toilets but he was disturbed by another woman who came around the corner and asked the victim if she was alright.
"Her intervention prompted the offender to let the woman go and leave the area," Detective Senior Sergeant Rongonui said.
"It's possible this good samaritan, described to us as blond haired and wearing a white top, wasn't aware that her actions saved the victim from a more serious attack."
The victim was shaken but unhurt, and went to her workplace where the incident was reported to police.
Police are still looking for the offender who is described as a male Maori, in his 30s, approximately 5ft 10in, stockily built with short dark hair and the tattoo of a bulldog on the left side of his neck. He was wearing a red tee shirt with the words Mongrel Mob Porirua and a picture of a bulldog head in white print on it.
"Someone may have noticed a man fitting this description loitering in the toilets and bus stop area," Detective Senior Sergeant Rongonui said. "We'd like to hear from people who can help solve this crime."
The number to ring is: Porirua Police, telephone: 04 238 1400.