Police investigate park attack
Police in Rotorua are appealing for information relating to a sexual assault that occurred in Kuirau Park early this morning.
The victim, a local woman in her 40s, was walking home through the park after an evening out with friends. It was between 2.30am and 3am when the woman was grabbed by two male offenders and assaulted. The incident occurred in an area of the park that was only about 30 metres from Ranolf Street and the roundabout intersection with Arawa Street.
After the attack the woman sought immediate assistance from members of the public who contacted Police.
The woman is currently being interviewed to obtain full details of what occurred and any further descriptions of the offenders. She has provided an initial description of two male Maori offenders aged 20 to 30 years.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of the park early this morning, particularly between 2am and 3am, who saw or heard anything suspicious. They also want information on anyone who might be responsible for this assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said: "Stranger attacks of this nature are thankfully incredibly rare and it is important when they do occur that the whole community pulls together with the police to identify the offenders as quickly as possible.
"The Police will continue to carry out regular patrols of the CBD and Kuirau Park. We are also working with Rotorua District Council to use environmental design principles to improve safety for all of our residents and visitors.
"Individuals can assist the police by reporting anything suspicious and taking personal safety steps. General advice at night, regardless of age or gender is to try to stay as a group, keep to well-lit and populated locations and be extra aware of your surroundings. There are a variety of personal alarms available on the market that can also provide some extra security and deterrent."
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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The victim, a local woman in her 40s, was walking home through the park after an evening out with friends. It was between 2.30am and 3am when the woman was grabbed by two male offenders and assaulted. The incident occurred in an area of the park that was only about 30 metres from Ranolf Street and the roundabout intersection with Arawa Street.
After the attack the woman sought immediate assistance from members of the public who contacted Police.
The woman is currently being interviewed to obtain full details of what occurred and any further descriptions of the offenders. She has provided an initial description of two male Maori offenders aged 20 to 30 years.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of the park early this morning, particularly between 2am and 3am, who saw or heard anything suspicious. They also want information on anyone who might be responsible for this assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said: "Stranger attacks of this nature are thankfully incredibly rare and it is important when they do occur that the whole community pulls together with the police to identify the offenders as quickly as possible.
"The Police will continue to carry out regular patrols of the CBD and Kuirau Park. We are also working with Rotorua District Council to use environmental design principles to improve safety for all of our residents and visitors.
"Individuals can assist the police by reporting anything suspicious and taking personal safety steps. General advice at night, regardless of age or gender is to try to stay as a group, keep to well-lit and populated locations and be extra aware of your surroundings. There are a variety of personal alarms available on the market that can also provide some extra security and deterrent."
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.