Taxi Driver Foils Attack

Wellington Police want to speak with witnesses, including a taxi driver, of an 18 year old female attacked by two males on the weekend.

The incident occurred around 3am on Saturday 12 August 2009, on Buller Street near the Terrace intersection and was interrupted by a taxi approaching the area.

The female had been walking on Buller Street away from the CBD. She passed two males who were walking the other way. One of the males grabbed and held her from behind while the other assaulted her with an instrument he was carrying.

The offenders ran towards Vivian Street and the CBD as a taxi approached on Buller Street.

Wellington Detective Sergeant Martin Todd said, "It is fortunate that this taxi driver turned up when he did. It is likely that he has prevented a more serious assault on the woman. We would like to speak with him about what he saw.

"The driver is described as Indian, driving a white car with a silver towbar and black writing on it. He has vital information regarding the attack."

Police are appealing to anyone who saw the attack or was in Buller Street, Wellington at around 3am on Saturday 12 August 2009.

One of the offenders is described as:

Ø Male
Ø European
Ø 20 -26 years old
Ø Approximately 175cm tall
Ø He was wearing black coloured dress pants and a black coloured hooded zip up sweater, (with the hood up)

The second offender is described as:

Ø Male
Ø European
Ø 20 -26 years old
Ø Taller than 180cm
Ø Skinny build
Ø Light coloured hair
Ø He was not clean shaven
Ø He was wearing grey coloured pants, a black jumper and a belt with a silver buckle.

Anyone who saw the attack or anything suspicious in the area at the time should contact Wellington CIB on (04) 496 3468 or in confidence on 027 248 5861.