65-year-old Wellington woman sexually attacked in her own home

Police say the man is known to have gone to at least one other property in the immediate area with the same story. File photo

A 65-year-old Wellington woman was subjected to a prolonged sexual attack in her own home after answering the door to a stranger on the prowl in the neighbourhood.

The woman's ordeal began just after 6am on Friday when the man turned up at her Waihemo St home in Waitangirua, claiming to be looking for his daughter.

The man then sexually assaulted the woman for several hours.

Police say the man is known to have gone to at least one other property in the immediate area with the same story.

He is described as a clean shaven and well spoken Maori or Pacific Islander, over six 1.8m tall. He is aged 35 to 45 and has short black hair.

During the attack on the woman he wore blue jeans, a white t-shirt, grey hooded sweatshirt, brown jacket and brown footwear.

The woman is being supported by family, police and "relevant agencies", as police appeal for information about the attacker.

Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone else the man might have approached and police say they are "committed to finding the man responsible for this assault and have several investigators on the case".

Anyone with information can contact Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Ferguson or Detective Sergeant David Jones at Porirua police on 04 238 1400, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.