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A woman allegedly raped in central Wellington early on Sunday received brutal injuries, police say.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry said the woman walked past a group of Polynesians in Courtenay Place about 5am on Sunday and, as she passed, one man spoke to her.
The man then followed her into Tory Street, led her across the road into the Mitre 10 car park and sexually assaulted her.
"The victim tried to get away but he followed her down a small alleyway towards Holland Street. She walked to the rear of the Wesley Church and down into a garden area, where she was sexually assaulted and raped," Mr Perry said.
"The doctor who examined the victim described her injuries as some of the more brutal that she had seen."
The victim has not been admitted to hospital but is being cared for by friends and family.
The woman was wearing a multi-coloured dress and a black shawl, while the offender was described as Polynesian, in his early 20s, about 180cm tall and of solid build. He had short frizzy hair and was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve top, which could be white.
"The victim was able to tell police that she overheard someone in the group he was with discussing rugby practice prior to the assaults occurring," Mr Perry said.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything which could help with their investigation.
- NZPA
