Wellington Police seeking witnesses to sexual assault on Wendesday night

Wellington Police are seeking some witnesses who came to the aid of a young woman following an alleged sexual assault on Wednesday night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton of the Wellington CIB says Police were notified late yesterday afternoon of an incident which occurred on a pathway between Taranaki Street and Tasman Street (near Wellington High School and Massey University) around 9pm on Wednesday night.

"The 19 year old victim was walking down the path towards Tasman Street, when she was grabbed from behind and dragged off the path a short distance by the offender."

D/S/S Thornton says the victim was then pushed to the ground and assaulted before a man walking along the path scared the offender off and he ran back towards the grounds of Wellington High.

"This witness then helped the victim and walked with her to Tasman Street, where another couple assisted the victim and took her back to the scene to locate her belongings, before walking her to a local address. We would really like to hear from these three people as soon as possible."

The offender is described as being of Maori or Asian descent, around 20 years of age, between five foot six to five foot seven in height, with acne on his cheeks and dark short hair. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black beanie and white sneakers, with a grey backpack over his shoulder.

"During the struggle the victim poked the offender in the eye. It's possible this male will have an eye injury as a result of the incident."

Dave Thornton says at this stage, Wednesday night's incident does not appear to be related to a sexual assault in Seatoun on Monday 14 May.

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