Wellington Police investigating assault hope jacket may identify offender

Police investigating an unprovoked assault on a 21 year woman at the weekend want to locate a jacket worn by the offender.

The assault occurred in Wallace Street, Mount Cook around 1:30am on Sunday morning, when the victim was walking home alone.

Detective Sergeant Penny Gifford of the Wellington City CIB says the victim was approached from behind by an unknown male and punched to the ground and punched repeatedly to the head before residents were alerted to her screams. At that point, the offender ran off towards John Street.

"Further investigation since the assault has established that the offender was wearing a white bomber-style jacket with a large, dark blue triangle on the back. We are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to identify the owner of this distinctive jacket."

The offender is described as a Caucasian, in his mid to late twenties, with short, possibly blonde hair.

The victim has since been discharged from Wellington Hospital after suffering serious bruising and swelling to the head.

Penny Gifford says Police are still keen to talk to a woman walking south along Wallace Street at the time, a taxi driver who pulled up in the area about 1:30am and a male in the area who spoke to residents after the attack."

Anyone with any information should contact the Wellington CIB on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.