Two women who were befriended by a man in Cuba Mall in the central city early this morning ended up fighting the man off after he attacked them and stole a handbag from one of the women.
The women were approached by the Cuba Mall fountain at about 4.40am on Wednesday 30 May by the man. He made conversation with the women and walked with them, says Detective Sergeant Paris Razos of Wellington Police.
While in nearby Garrett Street (behind Glover Park) the women say the man's behaviour changed. He grabbed one of the women and stole her handbag while holding her to prevent her from resisting, despite her appeals to let her go and return her handbag.
The second woman intervened in defence of her friend, and despite both women being punched and kicked by the man, they eventually caused him to flee on foot with the stolen handbag. One woman suffered minor hand injuries in the attack.
The man is described as a Maori or Polynesian, of short, stocky build, clean shaven, long dark hair in a ponytail, wearing a grey T-shirt and stretch denim jeans. He ran through the Garrett Street carpark in the direction of Vivian Street after the incident.
Police are looking for the man who attacked the women and are appealing to anyone that may be able to assist with inquiries to contact the Wellington CIB on (04) 3812000.
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For more information please contact:
Detective Sergeant Paris Razos
Wellington CIB
DDI: (04) 3812064