Public help sought after teen attacked

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police are calling for the public's help in finding a man who assaulted and tried to rape a 16-year-old girl in her Bay of Plenty home on Sunday.

The girl woke at her house in Kawerau, 32km south west of Whakatane, about midday to find a man standing over her bed, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said.

"He grabbed the victim, pinned her down and attempted to rape her. He also threatened her during the attack. Courageously, the victim struggled back and kicked the offender, causing him to stop the attack and leave the house."

Mr Standen said the man left the property through the front gate on to Domett Street, but it was not known which direction he went from there.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in this area between 11am and 1pm on Sunday 1 August, and we would urgently like to talk to anyone who may have any information about this incident," Mr Standen said.

The man was described as Maori, in his late 20s or early 30s, with a fat or solid build.

He was wearing a dark brown hooded sweatshirt and "Ridgeline" branded track pants.

Mr Standen said the girl was being supported by her family and members of Victim Support.

- NZPA