KEY POINTS:
Auckland police hunting a fugitive suspected of a vicious rape have spread their inquiries to Northland and Gisborne and say anyone knowing of the man should call police immediately.
Teanewa Joseph Ipo, 29, known as Newa, is wanted after a 46-year-old Malaysian woman was raped in her Auckland home last week.
The victim's mother was locked in a cupboard as the woman was attacked.
Police named Ipo as their main suspect. He is a Maori, 175cm tall with medium build. His hair had been shaved and he normally wore a baseball cap.
Police said he had ties in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Northland and Gisborne and they were making inquiries in all those areas.
Detective Mike Hayward said Ipo was dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information should call the police hotline (0800 565 766) or the 111 emergency line.
"He has already shown what he is capable of. He has broken into a house and seriously assaulted and raped one woman.
"It is grim and these sort of guys need to be taken off the streets pretty soon before they do it again," he said.
Mr Hayward said anyone hiding Ipo could be charged.
- NZPA
