Hamilton Police investigating yesterday's serious, sexually motivated assault in the grounds of Waikato University are hoping the public may recognise a man's image captured in CCTV footage.
Detective Sergeant Nicola Cornes of the Adult Sexual Assault Team said the attack involved a 20-year -old female victim who was confronted and assaulted by a male in the university grounds around the Maths and Sciences faculty at about 8.30am.
"She has been punched and dragged into a secluded area where the assault has continued. The offender has fled after she resisted vigorously and screamed as the assault took place.
"The offender is described as a dark skinned male aged in his 20s about 160 - 170cm tall (5"6" to 5"9") of medium build with shoulder length black hair off his face."
Mrs Cornes said the offender's clothing was described as being dark trousers and shoes and a white long sleeve sweat top with two distinctive black lines down the full length of the sleeves.
"Reviewing the CCTV footage we've been unable to identify anyone matching that description exactly but have looked at this image and taking into account the degree of stress and shock a person in the victim's predicament would be subject to, believe this image most closely matches her description.
"We would like to speak to anyone who recognises the person in the image or in fact anyone who believes the image may be of them, to help us eliminate them from our enquiries."
Anyone with any information on yesterday's incident is asked to contact Mrs Cornes at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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