Waikato Police investigating what they describe as a despicable sexual assault on a teenage schoolgirl are seeking the public’s help in locating the offenders responsible.
Acting Detective Sergeant Chris Cummings of the North Waikato CIB said Police were advised of the incident on Friday.
“We understand our victim, who is a teenage girl, was walking home in her school uniform about 4pm on Thursday 12 November after being dropped off by the school bus near the library in Meremere.
“As she neared the northern intersection of Te Puea Ave and Te Whero Cres she was approached by four males, taken against her will and sexually assaulted nearby.”
Mr Cummings said three of the offenders were described as Maori or Polynesian males, aged 16-20 years-old.
“One was of medium build and about 182cm tall wearing a black jersey and baggy maroon knee length shorts. The second was of thin build and walked with a limp wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans and a blue bucket style hat.
“The third man was of large build, about 167cm tall wearing a dark brown t-shirt and grey track pants. The fourth offender was possibly a Caucasian male of slim build about 180cm tall. The group were last seen running south on Te Puea Ave in the direction of the town library and store after the attack.”
Mr Cummings said Police would like to speak to anyone in the area about the time of the attack who saw the victim or people who meet the description of the offenders.
“Obviously this is a situation that is considered very serious not only to the Police but by the entire northern Waikato community and the focus for us right now is identifying who was responsible and also in getting the victim all the help and support that she needs.
“Anyone who saw anything or thinks they can identify these four offenders is asked to contact me, at the Ngaruawahia Police on 07 211 7291, your calls will be treated in confidence.”
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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