Girl sexually assaulted by late night intruder

Police are hunting a man who they say sexually assaulted a 13-year-old Napier girl as she slept in her bed late last night.

The girl and her family were asleep in their Darwin Cres home, in the suburb of Maraenui, when a man broke into the house through an open window shortly before midnight, Detective Sergeant Emmet Lynch of Napier CIB said.

The man then walked through the house and into the girl's bedroom. She woke to find the man sexually assaulting her, Mr Lynch said.

Her father, who woke to hear strange noises, disturbed the man who ran off.

The intruder was described as being of average height and build with very dark skin, tight, curly hair and a long narrow face.

He wore a green and white checked jacket, with knee-length black shorts that had with white hoops around the base.

Police urged anyone with information about the crime or had seen any suspicious behaviour in the area, to contact them.

They also advised residents in the area to ensure their properties were securely locked up overnight.

- NZPA