Police investigating assault on woman in Tauranga

The victim was walking in Devonport Rd when she was assaulted. Photo / NZME

Police are asking for the public's help after a woman was assaulted in Tauranga on Saturday.

The victim was walking in Devonport Rd just north of Ninth Ave about 5.30pm when she was approached by an unknown male, police said in a statement today.

The male grabbed and indecently assaulted her before she managed to run off.

The offender is described as having brown skin, being in his mid-20s, tall and of medium build.

The victim said the offender had a rose tattoo on his neck and was wearing dark clothing including a black cap.

Detective Simon Wallace said the incident was concerning to police and they were treating it seriously.

"We have made a number of inquiries since the incident and are now appealing to the public for any information."

The Bay of Plenty Times spoke to some residents in the area, which adjoins Memorial Park, today but none reported seeing anything on Saturday.

One resident said he and his wife had been away on holiday and had only returned home on Friday.

"The police called me and asked to look at our security camera footage around that time, but unfortunately apart from a few passing vehicles, I don't think the footage was much help."

The man's wife said she was saddened to hear about the assault.

"It does make you feel a little nervous that it could happen again.

"I never walk to the supermarket ... at dusk myself as I have seen some real odd-bods around here."

If you know who this man is or have information you think may help police, contact 105 quoting file number 220827/9368.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.