Waitakere Police are investigating a sexually-motivated assault on a young girl in Glendene, Henderson overnight.
At about 8.20pm (January 1) a 6 year-old girl was playing around the front of the Glendene Reserve on Glendene Avenue, with two other children. They were approached by a man who spoke briefly to them. As they attempted to leave the reserve the man grabbed the 6 year-old victim, carrying her further into the reserve near a creek and assaulting her.
The young girl’s screams were heard by her mother, who was nearby. Her mother ran to her and this caused the man to release the girl and run off into the reserve.
The offender left his footwear at the scene and Police believe someone may have seen him later on that evening.
He is described as a young man of skinny build, with dark skin, possibly of mixed race. He is believed to have been wearing a dark coloured t-shirt.
“The offender left a pair of white jandals at the scene. We believe this man may live locally and family members might have noticed him arriving home in wet clothing and barefoot at around 9pm last night” says Det Sgt Peter Litherland, Waitakere Police.
“Because the offender ran through the reserve, he may have been at the intersection of Farquhar Road and Phelps Place shortly after, and we’re hopeful that anyone who was in the area can think back to what they were doing last night and whether they saw someone of this description, between 8 and 9pm. This person has got home somehow wearing wet clothes and no shoes and someone will have seen him” says Det Sgt Litherland.
The young girl was not injured but is very shaken. She is being supported by family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waitakere Police on 09 839 0627. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*A press conference with Det Sgt Litherland will be held outside the Henderson Police Station today at midday. No media interviews will be done before then.
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata Police/021 192 1243