A Wellington woman is in hospital after being assaulted last night.
Police have cordoned off the footpath on High St in Taita, as well as a nearby empty house.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears said the serious assault happened on the footpath outside the Taita shops around 4am.
The offender is described as a "very dark skinned" man with short dreadlocks.
It's believed he left the area on a bike, and was last seen riding towards Silverstream.