Two sexual assaults in Whakatane

Detective Sergeant Ant Hay said there was nothing to suggest the two incidents were linked. File photo

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police are investigating two separate sexual assault incidents that occurred in Whakatane Central last weekend.

The first incident happened at about 2am on Saturday morning where a woman in her 30s was sexually assaulted on the stairs leading from Canning Pl to Hillcrest Rd.

She was treated with injuries by a doctor.

Police said two males were seen on the stairs by witnesses and in particular one of these males wearing a white or light coloured top was seen running from the stairs towards The Strand and Commerce Street.

A male fitting that description possibly got into a taxi in the vicinity of Commerce St, Police said.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Detective Sergeant Ant Hay said Police were appealing to anyone who left the area in a taxi at about 2am that night or anyone with information to contact Whakatane Police Station on 07 308 5255 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In the second incident, a woman in her 20s was approached by a male along The Strand in the vicinity of the old Commercial Hotel where she was sexually assaulted at about 1am on Sunday.

The assaulter was described as a male Maori of solid build, wearing a caramel coloured hoodie and black pants.

The woman described him as having distinctive eyes with the appearance of being cross-eyed.

She did not sustain any injuries.

Detective Sergeant Ant Hay said there was nothing to suggest the two incidents were linked.

However he said it was concerning to have two incidents within 24 hours and with a short distance of each other.

"We would ask people in and around the CBD to be vigilant for any suspicious behaviour and report it to police immediately, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

"Such a call may very well stop someone from being hurt," he said.

Mr Hay also encouraged everyone to be aware of their personal safety, particularly in the early hours of the morning.

He advised people to arrange transport and for friends to stick together.