Women attacked by serial sex predator

Photo / File

A serial predator is attacking lone young women in Auckland's upmarket inner-city suburbs.

Police said at least six women had been indecently assaulted in Ponsonby and Freemans Bay over a 12-month period and four incidents appeared to be linked.

The incidents occurred between November 2, 2012 and November 12, 2013, mostly late at night, and police fear other victims may have yet to come forward.

In each of the known incidents the victim was approached and spoken to before being grabbed and assaulted.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Florence said there were similarities between the victims' descriptions of their attacker.

Their suspect is likely to be a fair-skinned Maori or Polynesian in his late teens or early 20s who is of slight build, comparatively short, with noticeably big eyes and short, cropped hair.

"As each complaint has come to us they have been investigated based on the information we had at the time and it's only through having a growing number of similar complaints that we are able to determine there may be a connection between them," Mr Florence said.

Other victims are urged to contact Detective Constable Martin Friend at Avondale CIB on (09) 213 8484 or martin.friend@police.govt.nz.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Known incidents:

• Nov 2, 2012: Hepburn St, near Barry St, Freemans Bay, 4.45am
• Jan 9, 2013: Richmond Rd, near Jessel St, Grey Lynn, 6.20pm
• Feb 24, 2013: Richmond Rd, near Millais St, Grey Lynn, 2.15am
• April 7, 2013: John St, near Summer St, Ponsonby, 2am
• Sept 15, 2013: Franklin Rd, near Heke St, Freemans Bay, 5am
• Nov 12, 2013: Halsey St, near Gaunt St, St Mary's Bay, 11.30pm