Witness to assault sought by Police

Police investigating the vicious assault of a woman are trying to locate a likely witness to the incident.

The assault happened late on Monday afternoon. The exact time is unknown but it was still daylight. The 21-year-old woman was a passenger in a Maroon Falcon Futura being driven by a 36-year-old man known to her.

The man pulled off the road into the parking area of Paneiri Park at the end of Maxwells Line in Palmerston North. Both got out of the car at which point the man began to punch and kick the victim.

He then made her get back in the car and drove to Woodville where he assaulted her further.

The victim did not need hospital treatment but suffered severe bruising.

She has told Police that while being assaulted in the park she was aware of a man wearing a cap, sitting on the field, possibly on the embankment, who would have had clear sight of the assault.

The man in the park, or any other witnesses who saw a tall, athletic, bald-headed, light-skinned man assaulting a shorter Maori woman, are asked to contact Detective Pete Govers at Pahiatua Police on 06 376 0130.

Police have a name for the alleged offender and are actively seeking him.