Identity sought — sexual assault

Palmerston North Police are asking members of the public to help identify a man who sexually assaulted a woman in the early hours of the morning in the CBD on Sunday 11 May, 2014.

Shortly after 2am a 23-year-old woman, who had earlier become separated from her friend, began walking home from an inner city bar. She walked through the Square and onto Main Street.

At the intersection of George Street and Main Street she was approached by a man who she had initially seen riding a mountain bike ahead of her.

The man has started walking with her as she continued along Main Street. At the intersection of Andrew Young and Main Streets the man has led her to a parking area between two commercial properties on Andrew Young Street and sexually assaulted her.

After assault the man has left the area and walked back to where he had stashed his bike.

Detective Johnny Oram of the Palmerston North CIB says: "Police were notified immediately after the assault which allowed us to preserve some vital evidence and review CCTV footage. Due to the large number of CCTV cameras in the Square and others operated by businesses in the area, we have some clear footage of events leading up to and after this assault."

"Police want to identify the man who was wearing a blue hoodie and maroon pants, and in one shot is riding what has been described as a silver/grey mountain bike. We appeal to any one that may have been around that area at the time and saw a person matching this description to contact Police," says Detective Oram.

The man is described as Caucasian, early 20s, skinny build, and has shoulder length dark hair that was dirty and unkempt.

Tomorrow night (Thursday 22 May, 2014) the crime show Police Ten-7 will feature an appeal to help identify the man. Police Ten-7 can be viewed at 7.30pm on TV2.

If anyone knows the identity of the man or has any other information please contact Detective Oram on (06) 351 3877.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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