'Vicious' sexual assault alarms police

Police are investigating an alleged sexual attack on a 22-year-old woman tourist in eastern Bay of Plenty.

Two men entered an Opotiki house shortly before 10pm yesterday and forced their way into the victim's bedroom, where they allegedly assaulted and sexually violated her, said Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen, of Whakatane CIB.

Other people in the house were unaware of what was happening until the intruders had left, he said.

"The nature of this attack is very serious and alarming due to the brazen manner these attackers have entered and perpetrated this crime."

Police were keen to hear from anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious near Ford and Goring Sts between 9pm and 1am.

- NZPA