Police seek man over central city assault

Christchurch police have released photographs of a man they are seeking in connection with an assault on a woman in the central city early on Friday morning.

The incident occurred at around 2.15am on Friday [2 May] when a sex worker was assaulted by a man in Cambridge Green, a small park near the intersection of Barbadoes and Salisbury Streets.

The woman, aged in her 20s, suffered minor injuries. She was seen by a doctor and did not require further medical treatment.

Detective Sergeant Grant Collins says it is believed the man and woman had walked to the park, heading south along Barbadoes Street from the intersection with Bealey Avenue.

The person of interest Police are seeking is described as a male Caucasian aged in his mid to late- 20's, of thin build and average height, at least 165cm (5ft 5in).

He was wearing a black leather or vinyl jacket with hood, black pants and dark coloured sneakers. The man had tied-back shoulder-length blond hair.

Detective Sergeant Collins says the incident appears to have occurred as a result of a dispute over payment.

“Police believe this is an isolated incident related to the transaction, and there is no indication of any connection to other assaults on sex workers in the central city over recent months.”

Investigators are appealing for any information as to the identity of the person pictured in the CCTV images.

Police are also interested in hearing from members of the public who may have been in that area around the time of the incident, or who have seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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