Please attribute to Detective Inspector Karen Brilliant, Counties Manukau CIB:
Police are persevering with to analyze a critical incident in Tōtara Park on Tuesday, the place a girl was sexually assaulted.
At round 10.25am, a girl was strolling on the Puhinui Forrest Path, which runs from Tōtara Park alongside the northern boundary of the Botanic Gardens.
The girl had stopped at a lookout level on the Puhinui Stream Forrest Path, which is the place the assault occurred.
The girl acquired a laceration to her neck through the assault, which concerned a knife.
Following this cowardly assault, the offender fled on foot and regardless of a swift Police response he stays excellent.
Police acknowledge that this incident has been an extremely distressing ordeal for the sufferer and we’re guaranteeing there’s assist in place for her.
Understandably our neighborhood can be involved by what has occurred. Police reassure them that we’re taking this incident extremely significantly and our investigation crew is working exhausting to apprehend the offender.
Everybody has the fitting to journey across the metropolis, with out worry of being the sufferer of a criminal offense.
The Botanic Gardens and Tōtara Park are at all times busy with walkers and it’s regarding that this offending occurred in broad daylight.
We ask the neighborhood stay vigilant and to report any suspicious exercise instantly.
Police are additionally releasing an additional description of the offender and we ask the general public to return ahead if they’ve data that would help in figuring out this male.
He’s described as being in his 20s or early 30s, of chubby construct, with facial tattoos. On the time of the incident, he was sporting a blue t-shirt and black shorts.
Police want to hear from anybody who might have been in that space between 8am and 11.30am on 17 January, as they could have seen one thing of relevance to the investigation.
We’re additionally involved in listening to from anybody who might have been taking images, or has video footage within the space of the Botanical Gardens or Tōtara Park between the related occasions.
Anybody with data ought to contact Police through our 105 telephone service or on-line at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 utilizing ‘Replace My Report’. Please reference file quantity 230117/3643.
Info may also be offered anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://www.crimestoppers-nz.org/
ENDS.
Sinelle Fernandez/NZ Police
