Hutt Valley police investigate knifepoint sexual assault

Hutt Valley police are investigating the incident. Photo / File

Hutt Valley police are investigating a violent knifepoint sexual assault on a woman in broad daylight near Melling yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Nick Pritchard of Hutt Valley CIB said a large team was investigating the assault, which happened shortly after 1pm when the woman in her early 30s was out walking during her lunch break along the Hutt Riverbank near Mills St.

"This was a cowardly and violent assault and I can assure the community that we have a dedicated team of investigators who are committed to finding the person responsible as soon as possible."

Mr Pritchard said the woman left her workplace in Lower Hut about 12.50pm, walking north along the path beside the riverbank behind the Harvey Norman Centre at Melling, before passing under the Melling Bridge and heading towards Mills St.

About 10 to 15 minutes later, as she turned around at a sign advising the track was closed, a man armed with knife grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her in nearby bushes.

During the attack, she was also kicked in the head and stomped on, sustaining facial and other injuries.

Mr Pritchard said the victim was traumatised by what had happened and police were continuing to provide her with the appropriate support.

She had also received medical treatment for her injuries.

Police were looking for a man in his 20s of slim to average build, with light brown skin, in relation to the incident.

The man had been wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, knee-length shorts, a hat and gloves, which might have been fingerless.

Mr Pritchard said as the area was popular with dog walkers and other recreational users, there was a good chance someone may have seen or heard something relevant to the investigation.

"We would like to speak to everyone who was in the general area between Harvey Norman at Melling and the Mills St area of the Hutt riverbank either just before, at or after around 1pm yesterday."

Anyone with information could contact Hutt Valley police on 04 560 2600, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"We also invite the person responsible to do the right thing and step forward," said Mr Pritchard.