Appeal for help after girl, 16, raped

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police are appealing for more public help in finding a man who assaulted and tried to rape a 16-year-old girl in her Bay of Plenty home on Sunday.

The girl woke at her house in Kawerau, 32km southwest of Whakatane, about midday to find a man standing over her bed, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said.

After an appeal yesterday some information was provided to police but Mr Standen said more help from the local community was needed.

"He grabbed the victim, pinned her down and attempted to rape her. He also threatened her during the attack. Courageously, the victim struggled back and kicked the offender, causing him to stop the attack and leave the house."

Mr Standen said the man left the property through the front gate on to Domett Street, but it was not known which direction he went from there.

Police will today canvass the local area, knocking on doors and dropping 150 letters to generate information from the public.

"If you were in the area of Domett Street around noon on Sunday, or have any information that might help, please contact us urgently."

The man was described as Maori, in his late 20s or early 30s, with a fat or solid build.

He was wearing a dark brown hooded sweatshirt and "Ridgeline" branded track pants.

- NZPA