KEY POINTS:
A woman was sexually assaulted by an attacker with a gun in the early hours of this morning, police have revealed.
The 18-year-old was taken to a secluded area in the Fitzroy Golf Club area of New Plymouth.
The offender then produced a handgun and sexually violated her.
The woman is now recovering with family, Detective Sergeant Debbie Gower said.
The attacker is described as male, dark-skinned, 16- to 18-years-old and of thin build.
He is about 5'6-5'8 tall and clean shaven.
Several witnesses spoken to by police said they saw a person fitting this description around the Fitzroy beach and motor camp area throughout New Year's Eve.
That man was wearing baggy long pants, with a dark-coloured hooded sweatshirt or jacket.
He had a cap on under his hoody which had some type of design on it.
The man appeared familiar with the Fitzroy area, in particular the beach, motor camp, golf club and surrounding tracks, police said.
Ms Gower said: "This is a serious sexual assault and I urge anyone with information to come forward.
"If you were in the above area and saw a person fitting this description please contact police. Alternatively if you know of anyone fitting this description, please also contact police."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
