Auckland City Police are investigating after the sexually-motivated assault of a woman in Western Springs last night.
The victim, aged in her late 20’s, went to Western Springs last night at around 7.40pm. Her friends went to feed the ducks at the lake and she went for a run during this time. The victim had run for about 30-40 minutes before returning to her friends, dropping off her jersey, and then continuing her run.
At around 8.20-8.30pm she approached an enclosure which is being at the zoo, when she three young men standing by the path.
She rang past the men but one of the men grabbed her by the clothing and another man began pushing her. The two men pushed her towards a creek. She fell over but managed to fight back as the two men struggled with her. She managed to break free and ran away. Her two assailants then fled.
During the struggle the third man who had been standing on the path with the assailants before the attack was not there at all.
The victim ran back to her friends, they then left the park and called Police from home.
“We really need to speak to the third young man who witnessed the initial assault before the victim was pushed towards the creek. We believe this was a sexually-motivated attack and this young man can help us. He is a witness and we need him to come forward and help us” says Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Baldwin.
The offenders are described as the following;
Offender 1
-Male Caucasian
-Aged 16-17 years old
-Dark hair
-Wearing long beige-coloured chinos
-Jandals
-Hooded sweatshirt
Offender 2
-Male Caucasian
-Aged 16-17 years old
-Wearing beige-coloured shorts
-Jandals
-Hoodie
Third person
-Male Caucasian
-Aged 16-17 years old
-Denim shorts
-Black or dark-coloured t shirt
Detectives have been out in the area this morning gathering and reviewing CCTV footage, but would like to hear from anyone who was in the park last night and saw the group of young men.
Officers will be at the park around 8.30pm tonight, looking to speak to regular park users who may have seen something.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Auckland City Police Crime Squad on 09 302 6557.
Anonymous information can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Media: Det Snr Sgt Glenn Baldwin is available until 3pm for interview.
Beth Bates/NZ Police