Search after sex attack

Wairarapa police are hunting for a man who broke into a house and sexually assaulted a woman.

Police say the woman, who lives in Johnstone St, Masterton, awoke at 1.20am yesterday to find the offender sexually assaulting her.

When she challenged her attacker, he fled the house.

The victim's young child was asleep in another room.

Detective Sergeant Mark McHattie said the assault was of "grave concern" to police and to the Masterton community.

"I believe this offender will be watching what is happening around him and that his behaviour may have changed since," Mr McHattie said.

The offender forced open a window to enter the house.

- NZPA