Second attack on woman near Moera rail overbridge in Lower Hutt earlier this evening

Lower Hutt Police are investigating another attack on a woman in the vicinity of the Moera rail overbridge, which occurred early yesterday evening.

Detective Sergeant Anthony Tebbutt of the Lower Hutt CIB says the 28 year old victim was out running at about 5:15pm this evening where she was grabbed from behind, as she was running on the stopbank, past the overbridge, near Richmond Grove, Woburn.

“The victim was dragged a short distance by the offender. She screamed and struggled and managed to make her escape. She has obviously been shaken by this scary attack and we urgently need information from the public to help us identify the offender.”

The offender is described as Maori or Polynesian, in his mid-20s, more than 1.7 metres tall with short dark hair. He was wearing a green and black checked long-sleeved top, black pants and black shoes.

A similar incident occurred on the afternoon of 4 April 2011 in the exact location and Police believe both incidents are linked.

Detective Sergeant Tebbutt says, “Both of these incidents have striking similarities and Police want to hear from a male jogger who helped the victim following this evening’s attack.

“A male jogger in his early 20’s came across the victim after the attack and helped her briefly. He was described as a European with blonde curly medium-length hair. We’d really like to speak to this witness and urge him to contact us.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident this evening or those with any information should contact the Lower Hutt CIB on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.