Woman escapes attacker during walk in reserve

North Shore police are reminding women to be alert when out jogging or walking alone after a middle-aged woman was approached by a young man in a Northcote reserve on Waitangi Day.

The 42-year-old woman was walking alone through Turner Reserve and Kauri Glen Park at 5.30pm, when a young Asian man asked her for information on where the tracks led.

Police said the woman then continued on walking, but within five minutes she said the same man ran up behind her, grabbed her clothing and made a number of indecent suggestions to her.

The victim managed to break free from her attacker and ran off to call the police.

Takapuna CIB detective sergeant Nadene Richmond said the woman was shaken, but not physically harmed after the incident.

"It's important to always give consideration to the selection of jogging or walking locations, and to choose training times carefully," Ms Richmond said.

"The woman was particularly brave; she kept her cool, and has been able to provide police with a good description of her attacker."

Police are looking for an Asian male aged about 18 years, approximately 175cm tall, medium build and clean shaven.

At the time of the attack the offender was wearing a white T-shirt with a truck design on the front, dark blue tracksuit pants, and a dark blue or black baseball cap.

- NZPA