Sex attacker targets house, assaults woman, daughter

‘‘This is a lifechanging incident and is traumatic for both the mother and daughter . . . ’’

Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Anderson

Police believe a man who sexually attacked a woman and assaulted her daughter in their Hamilton home targeted the house and had visited before.

But Waikato CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Anderson said the attacker, who remains on the loose, was not believed to be known to the victims.

He described the early morning home invasion at the woman’s house in Croall Crescent, St Andrews, on Saturday as a horrific crime.

‘‘This is a life-changing incident and is traumatic for both the mother and daughter and our focus lies in supporting them and their family,’’ he said yesterday.

‘‘The woman is in a sensitive state and remains with police and medical staff.’’

Sometime between 7 and 7.45am on Saturday, the man entered the woman’s home.

He then sexually assaulted the woman and physically assaulted her daughter in a bedroom.

The pair were the only two people at home at the time.

The man then fled the house, cutting across neighbouring properties and into the grounds of the Hamilton Junior High School on Heath Street.

Anderson said the woman went to a neighbour’s home, where police were called.

‘‘At this stage we believe the male responsible for this attack had a particular interest in the property and may have visited the address a number of weeks before.

‘‘We don’t believe it’s a random case – he had a particular interest in the address.’’ Both victims received medical attention and were being supported by police, specialist services and family members, he said.

The attacker is described as being in his mid-20s with stocky shoulders, no facial hair, short black or brown hair (number one or number two cut) and of Ma¯ ori descent.

He was wearing a red T-shirt, black long pants and black shoes at the time of the incident.

‘‘It may well be this male has returned home after the incident and family or friends have noticed some changes in his behaviour or demeanour.

‘‘This is a horrific crime and we want this person held responsible.’’

Police had canvassed the area and forensically examined surrounding properties and spoken with residents.

Police were also examining nearby CCTV footage and further interviews and analysis would take place in coming days.

●➤ People with information or who may have seen anyone matching his description in the Heath Street, Bryant Road or Sandwich Road areas on Saturday morning contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.