Woman approached by victim before rape contacts police

A woman approached for help by a 13-year-old shortly before the girl was raped has given a witness statement to police.

The officer heading the inquiry into Sunday's attack, Detective Sergeant Andy King, said the woman got in touch with officers yesterday.

The woman, who was approached by the girl at a BP station in Waterview on Sunday, was "co-operating fully" with police.

Mr King said he was delighted the woman had come forward.

Police said the girl approached the woman as she filled her car with petrol and begged her for help, saying a man was following her. It is understood the woman told her to keep away from the man, and drove off.

Meanwhile, a man charged over the attack will apply for bail today.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with abducting, drugging and raping the 13-year-old.

Justice of the Peace Ken McKay remanded the 34-year-old drainlayer in custody until 2.15pm today, after a brief appearance in Auckland District Court yesterday. He was granted interim name suppression.

Mr King yesterday told media outside court that police would oppose any bail bid.

He said police had not yet spoken to the girl - who had had a "very quick" medical assessment since the attack - and were waiting to call in a specialist interviewer.

The victim was said yesterday to still be in shock and deeply traumatised.

The man faces five charges - sexual violation by rape, two counts of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, abduction for sexual connection, and aggravated wounding by stupefying.

Police allege the accused forced the girl to smoke cannabis to render her incapable of resistance.

They believe the girl was dragged into a reserve and attacked around 11am on Sunday after apparently being followed by a man from the Pt Chevalier shops to a BP station on Great North Rd, in Waterview.

Her attacker made a purchase at the petrol station before following the girl to the reserve.

* If you're being followed, Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation recommends you:

Stay in well-lit public areas

Approach a business and get help

If you have a cell phone, call police, a friend or a family member.