Police hunt for man in relation to sex assault

Police are searching for this man caught on CCTV. Photo / NZ Police

A young man is being sought by police after a woman was sexually assaulted in Palmerston North at the weekend.

The woman, 23, was walking home from an inner city bar shortly after 2am on Sunday after becoming separated from her friend.

She was approached by a man at the intersection of George Street and Main Street, and began walking with her as she continued along Main Street.

When they came to the junction of Andrew Young and Main Streets the man led her to a parking area between two commercial properties on Andrew Young Street and sexually assaulted her, police say.

"Police were notified immediately after the assault which allowed us to preserve some vital evidence and review CCTV footage," Detective Johnny Oram of Palmerston North CIB said.

"Due to the large number of CCTV cameras in the Square and others operated by businesses in the area, we have some clear footage of events leading up to and after this assault.

"Police want to identify the man who was wearing a blue hoodie and maroon pants, and in one shot is riding what has been described as a silver/grey mountain bike.

"We appeal to any one that may have been around that area at the time and saw a person matching this description to contact police."

The man is described as Caucasian, in his early 20s, and of skinny build. He had shoulder-length dark hair that was dirty and unkempt.

The crime will be featured on Police Ten-7 tomorrow night in a bid to help identify the man.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Oram on (06) 351 3877, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

* Police Ten-7 airs on TV2 at 7.30pm on Thursday.