Te Puke police are appealing for sightings of an Indian male seen on the morning of Tuesday's attack on a 15-year-old girl in Paengaroa.
The man is described as Indian, of tall skinny build and with short hair.
He was seen to leave Gulliver Road on foot at about the time the victim caught the school bus that morning. He walked out of Gulliver Road at around 7.30am, turned towards Te Puke township on SH2 and started hitch-hiking.
The victim was attacked later that day in Gulliver Road while on her way home.
Police are also keen to hear from anyone who gave a lift to an Indian man matching the description who was hitch-hiking out of Te Puke at any time that day.
The victim is doing well and has returned to school today.
Information can be given to Te Puke police on 07 573 9147.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by:
Grant Ogilvie, Chief Media Adviser, PNHQ
04 474 9476