Brazen assault shocks

The family of a 5-year-old girl indecently assaulted by a naked man at Cooks Beach in the Coromandel are shocked that the attack could happen at one of their favourite holiday destinations.

Waikato police district crime manager Detective Inspector Chris Page said the girl was walking with family through the Riverview Rd Reserve when she and her 7-year-old cousin were confronted by the man shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday.

‘‘The two children were a short distance in front of other family members as the group walked back from the beach.

‘‘It was then they were confronted by this naked man, who indecently assaulted the 5-year-old girl before members of the public and family intervened.’’

The man was chased by a member of the public and was last seen leaving the area in a silver hatchback car, which was about 10 years old, with slightly tinted windows.

The victim’s family did not want to comment on the incident yesterday.

However, they said they had never had any problems during the many years spent holidaying in the area, and thought nothing of letting the kids run ahead of them.

‘‘Understandably, the family and children are shaken up over the incident, but the children are safe with their parents and the family are being provided with Victim Support services,’’ Mr Page said.

Police set up a checkpoint on the main road out of the area yesterday in an attempt to locate the offender. He was described as a clean-shaven Caucasian with dark hair.