Police hunt 'filthy savage' rapist

A man who attacked and repeatedly raped a woman in her south Auckland home has been described by police as a "filthy savage".

They appealed this afternoon for help to catch him before he strikes again.

The man broke into the Pukekohe house on Tuesday night and subjected the woman to a sickening ordeal for four to five hours.

He then kidnapped her and tried to get money from her account at an ATM machine, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone said.

He said the attack had ruined the woman's life and was "absolutely despicable".

The attacker could easily have killed the woman had she not escaped at the money machine, Mr Grimstone said.

He said the victim had massive bruising but had been particularly brave and remarkably accurate in her recall of details.

The attack was planned as the man had handcuffs which he had used on the woman. He had watched her before he tricked his way into the house on Tuesday night.

He said the man needed to be stopped before he could attack again and anyone with information should ring Pukekohe police on (09) 295 0220.

- NZPA