Woman pedestrian sexually attacked, police say

Tauranga police are investigating an alleged sex attack on a 20-year-old woman walking along a main road last night.

Police said the attack happened near the Hairini Bridge on Turret Rd, which links central Tauranga with the suburbs of Hairini and Welcome Bay, between 11pm and midnight.

The woman told police she was accosted by a man as she was walking south along Turret Rd and described her attacker as a Maori in his mid 30s, with shoulder-length grey hair and blue eyes.

He was wearing a dark jacket and faded blue jeans and possibly had a grey beard.

Detective Sergeant Paul Basham said the woman was too traumatised to talk about the attack last night, but was to be interviewed today.

Police cordoned off areas at both ends of the bridge early this morning and began a scene examination at daylight.

Two detectives wearing protective covers on their shoes focussed on the northwestern side of the bridge, combing a grassy area next to the Silver Birch Holiday Park.

Park manager Judy Havill said she had heard nothing suspicious last night but the road was often frequented by pedestrians after dark, especially at weekends.

Six detectives are working on the case. They are appealing for anyone who saw anyone or anything suspicious in the Turret Rd/Hairini Bridge area last night to contact them on 07 577 4300 or 0800 SPEAKUP.