The young woman who was raped on a Christchurch river bank last week was ’very brave' says Detective Sergeant Wendy Riach.
"She tried to keep her assailant calm and only acquiesced to his demands to try to save her life. She honestly believed she might die," she says.
The police inquiry is following active leads but still needs more public help to solve this case says Detective Sergeant Riach.
"The man has probably offended before, maybe in a domestic situation, and we need help to ensure he does not offend again."
The 19 year old woman was attacked and sexually violated as she walked north along Fitzgerald Ave at 4am on Friday. After she had crossed Kilmore Street she was dragged off into the grass area by the river bank and sexually violated.
Description;
Her alleged assailant is described as a male maori, 20- 25 years old, dark, jaw length, curly hair, medium build, about 182 cm (6') tall, with an olive complexion and wearing jeans.
He is described as having tattoos on his stomach, shoulders and arms.
Anyone who can help identify this person or who has any information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Wendy Riach on 363 7587.