Woman assaulted in 'vicious' attack

File photo / NZ Herald

Police are investigating the abduction and indecent assault of a young woman outside a college north of Auckland last night.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was attacked as she returned to her car parked near the Mahurangi College swimming pool, on the intersection of Woodcocks Road and State Highway 1, Warkworth, about 7.05pm.

Police said the attacker is described as a dark-skinned male, aged about 20, of muscular build, and wearing white coloured gloves.

The speech patterns of the offender during the assault indicated that English is not his first language.

The attack lasted a short time before the offender was scared off, possibly by the arrival or departure of other people on the school grounds.

Police officers and detectives, along with the police helicopter and the dog squad were called to the scene, however the offender was not located.

The victim required medical treatment following the attack, and is recuperating at home.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Batty described it as a "vicious and cowardly attack with very sinister undertones".

"We are following a number of lines of inquiry but seek assistance from the community to locate and apprehend this offender. I am appealing to any members of the greater Warkworth community who recognise the description provided, or who may have observed suspicious activity in or around the Mahurangi College campus either on the night in question or in the days leading up to it, to contact me immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Senior Sergeant Batty at the Orewa Police Station on 09 4265 871.