Porirua police are appealing for public help in finding a man who assaulted a 14-year-old college student as she walked to school this morning.
Detective Simon Humphries, Porirua CIB, said the student was grabbed as she walked out of a pedestrian accessway from Warspite Avenue into Durville Street, Porirua, between 8.45am and 9am today.
"The victim was dragged a short distance but fortunately she managed to wriggle free and run to school where she notified teachers about what had happened," Detective Humphries said.
He said the victim, who was shaken but otherwise unhurt, describes her attacker as:
• male Maori or Polynesian • early 30s with facial stubble • wearing a dark green hoodie, dark trackpants • smelling of alcohol.
Detective Humphries said police want to hear from anyone who saw the man in the area or who has other information which might help the investigation.
Police particularly want to speak with a woman pushing a buggy who was walking in front of the student in the pedestrian accessway.
"The victim says this woman was some distance in front of her but she may have seen the offender as she pushed her buggy into Durville Street."
People with information are asked to contact Detective Humphries at Porirua CIB on telephone 04 238 1453.
Ends
released by Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
tel 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020