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Police have arrested a teenager in Masterton and charged him with the sexual assault of an Australian tourist in Christchurch over Easter weekend.
The 19-year-old victim was assaulted on a central Christchurch street after she became separated from her friends while returning to her accommodation about 3.30am on April 8.
She was approached by two men, one of whom walked away, leaving her alone with the other in Manchester St.
She was then lured to a nearby sidestreet, punched to the ground, kicked several times in the head and sexually assaulted.
The woman managed to fight off her attacker, who ran off carrying his pants.
Detective Sergeant Todd Hamilton, of Christchurch police, said today a 17-year-old youth was arrested in Masterton yesterday.
He was to appear in Masterton District Court today.
- NZPA
