Police investigate Kaikoura sexual assault

Police are hunting a man who allegedly attacked and sexually violated a young woman in central Kaikoura early on New Year's Day.

Constable Mike Whitty, of Blenheim CIB, said the woman told police she was attacked on West End between 1am and 3am on Saturday.

She was walking home when a man grabbed her from behind, pulled her in to a car park and sexually assaulted her.

Police were yet to make an arrest and wanted to speak to any witnesses, Mr Whitty said.

The attacker was described as being tall with long, curly shoulder-length hair and was wearing a dark beanie and a dark T-shirt.

- NZPA