Police seeking leads after vicious assault in car park

A 20-year-old woman was dragged into a car park and assaulted as she walked home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police are seeking any information to assist their investigation into the assault that took place near the intersection of Rawhiti Ave and Arawa St.

Detective Chris Smith of the Matamata Piako CIB said the woman was confronted by a man between the hours of midnight and 2am.

The man dragged her from the footpath into a car park area and assaulted her briefly before she managed to fight him off and run away.

‘‘It is certainly something that had the potential to be a lot more serious,’’ said Mr Smith.

The woman suffered minor bruising and was extremely shaken by the incident, he said.

The attacker has been described as a 20-30 year old dark-skinned male of solid build wearing dark clothing.

Mr Smith would like

to hear from anyone with any information concerning this matter or who may have seen or heard any suspicious or unusual persons, behaviour or noises in the area around the time.

He said it was an unfortunate and timely reminder to anyone out socialising to ensure they stay with their friends, look after each other and make sure no-one is left behind or has to walk home alone.

If you have any information please contact Mr Smith on 880 9517 or call in to see him at the Matamata police station.