KEY POINTS:
A woman about to get into her car in central Hamilton last night was pulled into a waiting van, driven off and raped, police said today.
The woman was dragged from beside her car in Worley Place into the van about midnight, driven to a remote alleyway where she was violated, then dumped out of the van immediately after, Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Page said.
The van was grey, and similar to a early to mid 90s Ford Econovan or Mazda Bongo.
There were three men in the van.
The driver was Caucasian, with curly hair, and the rear passenger was also Caucasian, in his 20s, clean shaven, about 1.8m tall, strong and wearing a beanie and dark clothing.
The woman was unable to see the front passenger, Mr Page said.
Police want to hear from anyone who had seen the van, particularly in the Ward St area, or knew anything about the assault.
Mr Page said the attack was not at this stage being linked to the police operation hunting a serial rapist who assaulted three women in Hamilton between April and July.
However, police were working to see if any links existed and keeping an "open mind" about the case.
"This event is a sad but timely reminder for women to make sure they keep themselves safe as the festive season approaches."
- NZPA
