At approximately 7.45 pm on 21 January, a woman known only as Ann became concerned for the welfare of a 22-year-old female down at the at the lakefront village green adjacent to Pizza Hut, Rotorua. She reported her concerns to an employee of Pizza Hut who in turn contact the Police.
As a result of enquiries it is believed that the 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and that she would have been observed by the public in this area at this time.
Police are wanting to speak to ‘Ann’ as a potential witness in this matter.
Further to this Police are seeking information about a second alleged sexual assault that occurred in the male toilets at the lakefront adjacent to Pizza Hut on the same night and around the same time.
Police were alerted to this incident by a couple who arrived at the Rotorua Police Custody Centre at approximately 9.15 pm on 21 January. They were reporting what they believed to be a drunk male in one of the toilet cubicles. Police now believe it was a 15-year-old girl who had also been subjected to sexual assault and would like to speak to the couple again as potential witnesses as soon as possible.
Police believe the two incidents are linked.
The witnesses and anyone else with information is asked to contact Detective Owen of the Rotorua CIB on 021 191 3601. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Kim Perks
Communications Manager
Bay of Plenty Police
027 234 8256