Young woman fights off attacker

File photo / NZ Herald

A young woman assaulted in a sexually motivated attack in Wellington did a great job of fighting off the offender, police say.

The 22-year-old was jogging through the Old Karori Road Walkway in the suburb of Northland about 8.40pm last night when she was attacked from behind by a man she had just passed.

The man, described as being in his 20s, around 180 cm tall, of muscular build with short hair and tanned, pulled her to the ground, police said.

While the woman managed to fight him off, a neighbour who heard her screams came to her aid.

"It is apparent this is a sexually motivated attack and the victim did a great job fighting the offender off," Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel said.

"If not for the timely intervention of the resident the outcome could have been far worse for her," he said.

The woman, who sustained moderate injuries from the attack, was admitted to Wellington Hospital last night.

She was now recovering at home with family and friends.

As the offender - who spoke with a New Zealand accent and was wearing a grey top and possibly boardshorts - had not been caught, Mr van den Heuvel warned female joggers to be careful around the track area.

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000. Anonymous information can be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.