Police are asking anyone who saw the incident on Restall St to get in touch.
Police are looking for a man who assaulted a 21-year-old woman on her way to work in Christchurch this morning.
The woman suffered a minor hand injury when the man approached her and tried to restrain her.
She fled and sought help from a nearby business.
The victim was shaken and police were supporting her.
The attack happened at 6.19am on Restell St, Papanui.
Police say the man is in his late 20s to early 30s and is of a solid build with dark hair and stubble.
He is described as being about 1.7m.
He was wearing a light-coloured zip-up hooded sweatshirt at the time of the assault.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the assault, to get in touch.
The offenders took off in a stolen vehicle with cigarettes, cash and other items.