Young woman sexually assaulted in Wellington suburb

File photo / NZ Herald

A young woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted in the Wellington suburb of Seatoun last night, police say.

The woman in her early 20s was walking along Ludlam St near St Anthony's School when she attacked at about 10pm.

Wellington criminal investigation head Detective Inspector Paul Basham said the woman was grabbed from behind and dragged a short distance before the assault.

Police were called and a police dog picked up a scent, but the offender was not found.

Mr Basham said the victim was left traumatised and was yet to be fully interviewed.

The young woman described the offender as dark-skinned, possibly in his early 20s, wearing a khaki-coloured top with a hood and a black beanie.

A scene examination was likely to be completed later today and an area canvas was underway.

Mr Basham said police would like to hear from anyone in Wellington's eastern suburbs who may have seen or heard or seen anyone or anything suspicious last night.

The assault is being treated as an isolated incident and police are urging Seatoun residents not to be alarmed.

"Police want to reassure the Seatoun community that this incident is being treated seriously and a number of staff and resources are being put into locating this offender, which, with the help of the public, we are very confident of doing."

Mr Basham reminded people to take the usual safety precautions.