Police are investigating after a woman was attacked while out walking in a park in the Avonside suburb of Christchurch on Sunday evening.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson of the Christchurch Adult Sexual Assault Team said the sexually-motivated attack happened in Avon Park around 6.15pm.
"A 23-year-old female was walking through the park when she was attacked and forced to the ground," Anderson said. "She managed to fight off the attacker and ran to a nearby address where the alarm was raised.
"A scene examination took place this morning and police are continuing with their inquiries."
The attacker is described as a tall, skinny man, in his mid-20s to mid-30s, with olive skin. He was wearing a dark hoody and a dark jacket.
