Nelson woman attacked, rescued by stranger

A woman was attacked on a Nelson street. File photo

A Burmese woman who was attacked on a Nelson street by an unknown man was rescued by a member of the public who intervened.

The woman was walking to work at Nelson Hospital at around 7.30am on Tuesday when she was approached by a man on Kawai St.

The man, believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s, was walking from the direction of Franklyn Village, and was accompanied by a woman. He began to verbally abuse the victim, before grabbing her and shaking her, police said.

The man was described as European with short light-coloured hair, possibly greying, and of thin, tall build. He was wearing worn jeans, and a jacket with a zip up the front, police said.

The woman was shaken but unharmed by the incident, police said, adding it "could have been much worse if a member of the public had not intervened".

Police would like to speak to the person who broke up the assault, and to anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who has information about who the attacker may be.

Nelson police can be contacted on 03 578 5279, or information can be anonymously provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.