Serial sex offender believed to be behind sexual assaults at Auckland train station

Six women have reported to police sexual assaults occurring at Puhinui train station.

A suspected serial sex offender is believed to be behind seven cases of sexual assault at an Auckland train station.

Six women have reported to police sexual assaults occurring at Puhinui train station and police now suspect one man is behind all the offences.

The sexual assaults were reported to police over a three year period.

Detective Sergeant Natalie Nelson said women walking alone to the train station in the early hours of the morning and in the evening have been assaulted by a man who has approached them from behind.

"They've just been going about their own business... and he's assaulted them by touching their bottom or trying to put his hand up beneath their skirt or dresses," she said.

The man would then quickly flee the scene.

One woman was assaulted in the same way twice.

Ms Nelson said she is asking any other woman who has been assaulted at the Puhinui train station to come forward and tell police.

"So that we can really get as much information as we can about the person that has been committing these offences," she said.

The time-frame of the assaults may change as more people come forward, Ms Nelson said.

Police have been patrolling the Puhinui station at peak travel times.

Ms Nelson said some women may feel unsafe.

"It can possibly be a scary thing for women, but there are definitely things they can do to protect themselves," she said.

Women can walk in groups as much as possible, stick to well-lit areas and remain alert by not having headphones or ear-buds plugged in.

"There are a lot of people using the train station on foot, and I'm sure there would be people they can walk with."

The man is described as a Maori or Pacific Island man in in his late teens or early 20s. He is of average height, slim to medium build and often wears a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up.

Call Detective Sergeant Natalie Nelson on 09 213 9025 if you have any information relating to the assaults. Information can also be reported anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.