At approximately 12.30am on Saturday the 18th of April 2015, a 26 year old woman was attacked by a male offender while walking on Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington.
The woman was walking on her own when the offender approached her from behind, placed his hand over her mouth and dragged her into nearby shubbery.
The woman immediately feared for her safety and screamed which startled the offender and made him run from the scene.
The offender was seen to run south on Adelaide Road and then into Colombo Street where he got into a dark coloured SUV vehicle (make and model unknown) parked on Colombo Street. The vehicle was then driven at speed towards Rintoul Street.
The offender is described as a male, Maori or Polynesian, about 175cm in height, stocky build, wearing dark clothing (possibly a hooded sweatshirt), aged bewtween 30 - 45 years, with dark short hair.
The woman did not receive any serious injuries but was very shaken after the incident.
Detective Sergeant Haley Ryan of the Wellington Crime Squad says this is an alarming assault and Police are determined to identify and apprehend the offender.
Police are calling on the assistance of anyone who may have seen the incident, the offender or the vehicle in the area. Any person with information is asked to contact the Wellington District Crime Squad on (04) 381 2077.