Search continues for Blenheim attacker

Police in Blenheim are today continuing to canvas households in the Eltham Road area for information about an attack on a woman in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Sergeant Dave Woodley said a team of 10 police went door to door from 1pm until 9pm yesterday gathering information and were continuing today.

He said Police were very keen to find the owner of a pair of women's underpants which were left at the property where the attack occurred.

"We have concerns as to how these underpants have come to be at this address and believe the offender may have left them. However, we remain mindful of the possibility that they may be unrelated to Sunday's attack.

"We are asking anyone who recognises these underpants to contact us immediately. Any information will be treated in confidence."

The attacker is described as a Pacific Islander, about 5ft 8in (1.76m) of solid build, with frizzy hair. The man had a beard at the time of the attack and may have been scratched on the left side of his face. Any scratches may be concealed by the beard.

"We appreciate the assistance we are receiving from the public and encourage anyone with further information to contact Blenheim Police immediately," Detective Sergeant Woodley said.

Blenheim Police Ph 03 578 5279. To give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.