Woman victim of serious assault

Photo / File

A man has been charged with attempted murder and sexual violation after a middle-aged woman suffered a "prolonged and serious" assault in Porirua, north of Wellington today.

The 54-year-old woman was walking along the Kenepuru walkway between the Porirua Railway Station and Kenepuru Drive about 9am when a man came up behind her.

He then "subjected her to a prolonged and serious assault", Detective Constable Peter Reeves of Porirua police said.

It appeared the assault was random and unprovoked.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene and would appear in Porirua District Court tomorrow.

The woman was taken to Wellington Hospital but had since been discharged, Mr Reeves said.

Police were also very keen to speak with a cyclist who was seen in the area about the time of the attack.

Mr Reeves said the cyclist was wearing a green top. He urged the person to contact police.

Police were seeking help from anyone who may have witnessed the assault or had been in the vicinity about the time it happened.