Woman runner indecently assaulted in Christchurch

Photo / Doug Sherring

A woman runner was indecently assaulted in Christchurch today, and police are appealing for public help to catch her assailant.

The assault took place on the cycle track between Glandovey Road and Plynlimon Road about 11.10am.

The woman, in her early twenties, was running in Hagley Park and became aware of a male runner near her.

She continued running on Helmores Lane, Holmwood Road, Garden Road, Wroxton Terrace and on to the cycle track where the male approached her, pushed her against a fence and indecently assaulted her.

Papanui police Detective Richard Quested said the woman screamed out and the offender jumped into a property bordering Plynlimon Park and ran off through the park toward Idris Road.

"A member of the public gave chase but could not catch the male," Mr Quested said.

The attacker was described as European, 19 to 20 years old, of thin build, with hairy legs. He was wearing a white t shirt, black knee-length shorts, and running shoes.

- NZPA