Counties Manukau Police are investigating a sexual assault of a 14 year old girl in Kirks Bush, Papakura yesterday.
At about 4pm on Tuesday 25 November, the girl entered Kirks Bush via a walkway from the Rosehill Drive side of the bush.
As she entered the bush she walked past a young man walking towards the exit. Shortly after passing the man she heard someone running towards her from behind.
The girl was grabbed from behind by the unknown man and thrown to the ground. After a struggle the victim managed to break free and the offender ran off.
“This brazen daylight attack was very distressing and frightening for the victim," says Detective Sergeant Michele Gillespie of Papakura CIB. "We need to identify this offender as soon as possible so we can ensure he does not have the opportunity to do this to anyone else."
The man is described as about 20 years old of Maori descent, about 167cm tall with short black hair and of medium to solid build. He was wearing a grey t-shirt over his face. He was seen to have a Maori design tattoo on his left arm.
Police are interested to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area of Kirks Bush and the surrounding roads, particularly anyone who may match the description of the offender.
Police advise to people walking through the park is to have somebody accompany them, and to keep their cell phone where it can be reached.
"Dial 111 immediately if you see any suspicious activity in a park,” says Detective Sergeant Gillespie. “Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday, 25 November in the area of Great South Road, Beach Road and Settlement Road which surrounds Kirks Bush, should contact Police.”
Contact Detective Sergeant Michele Gillespie on 09 295 0345, or to provide information anonymously contact the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717