A 22-year-old female runner was indecently assaulted while running along the Hutt River stop bank around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Christiaan Barnard says "While she was running between Melling Link and the Kennedy Good bridge, she has felt two hands touch her on her bottom.
"On turning around an unknown male was running next to her and tried to start a conversation before touching her a second time.
"She has then run off from the male and reported the incident to Police.
"The male is described as a 16 or 17 year old Maori, with a medium build and short shaggy hair.
"He is about 175cm tall and was wearing a baggy plain white T-shirt and black shorts with a brown hoody or jersey tied around his waist and black 'skatie' style shoes.
"Hutt Valley Police are keen to identify this male, given the brazen nature of the incident in a public place", said Detective Sergeant Barnard.
If anyone has any information about this incident, or they recognise the person described, they should contact the Hutt Valley Police on 04 560 2600.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
ENDS