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Two Hamilton police constables are being credited with rescuing a woman being attacked at a service station this morning.
Senior Sergeant van de Wetering said a suburban Whitiora service station attendant called police about 6.35am asking for urgent help.
"On arrival, our officers were directed to the rear of the store, to a locked back room, where screams could be heard coming from a 20-year-old female worker," Mr van de Wetering said.
"Kicking their way, through the door the two officers then had to use pepper spray and physical force to remove an armed man who was threatening the terrified woman.
"I would like to commend the two constables for acting decisively in saving the young woman from this terrible ordeal."
A 35-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault and will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
- NZPA