Police hunt man after sex assault on boy, 14

Police investigating the sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy in Nelson say they have a list of possible suspects who they will be tracking down to speak with over the next few days.

The boy was allegedly assaulted on Tahunanui Beach some time between 5pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Detective Ruth Collins, of Nelson CIB, told the Nelson Mail the assault lasted about 20 minutes and was "disturbing".

A man approached the boy, who wearing a school uniform and pushing a bicycle, at the toilet block by the Beach Cafe before taking him to a secluded area of the beach.

Ms Collins said the boy was vulnerable but would not go into detail to avoid identifying him.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Tiernan said police had received a few calls since asking for witnesses and had added a couple of names to their list.

The man was described as a slim Caucasian, over 40 years old with greying brown hair. He was wearing glasses, had freckles and was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt.

- NZPA