Inquiries into last Thursday's knifepoint sexual assault in the Hutt Valley are progressing, with a good flow of information coming in from members of the public, Police say.
"Since the investigation began, a number of people have contacted us with useful information helpful to the inquiry team. We are also continuing to review CCTV footage and other information as we remain focussed on finding the person responsible for this cowardly and violent attack," Detective Sergeant Nick Pritchard of Hutt Valley CIB said.
Mr Pritchard said more than a dozen staff continued to work on the investigation, which was launched after the woman was grabbed by a man from behind and sexually assaulted at knifepoint in bushes about 1pm on Thursday 11 June. The woman, in her early 30s, had been on a lunchtime walk along the Eastern side of the Hutt riverbank near Melling and was kicked and stomped during the attack, suffering rib and facial injuries.
She was recovering at home after being treated for her injuries and was continuing to be supported by Police, Mr Pritchard said.
"We acknowledge the assistance of the media in helping to generate publicity and thank those members of the public who have contacted us with information so far. We would like that to continue, so we ask that anyone who thinks they may have information that could help us to please make contact - anonymously if necessary.
"We would also still very much like to speak to everyone who was in the general area between Harvey Norman at Melling and the Mills Street area of the Hutt riverbank around the time of the attack - or anyone who may have seen or heard anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the Melling area or near the Hutt riverbank area near Mills Street either before or after the attack."
Police is looking for a man of slim to average build, with light brown skin, aged in his 20s. He was wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, knee-length shorts, a hat and also gloves, possibly fingerless.
Anyone with information can contact Hutt Valley Police on 04 560 2600, or anonymously via the organisation CrimeStoppers, ph 088 555 111.
ENDS
Police media contact: Ross Henderson, PNHQ Public Affairs, ph 021 192 2919.