William of the White Hand
Junior News Editor
Two attacks in Takapuna
MARYKE PENMAN
Last updated 15:20 23/04/2013
Two women have been attacked in the space of just 24 hours in the Auckland area of Takapuna in what police believe could be related incidents.
Last night a 24-year-old woman was jogging at about 10pm when she was grabbed from behind and dragged to the ground by a man on the footpath of Lake Rd near the Waitemata Golf Club.
Police said the man placed a hand over the woman's mouth and a struggle ensued before he ran off into the trees near Sea Breeze Ave.
The woman's iPod was stolen during the attack, but later recovered by police near the scene.
Police said the man had been described as olive skinned, with dark curly hair and was wearing blue denim pants and a dark top.
In another similar incident, a 29-year-old woman was attacked in broad daylight on Sunday at about 9.30am as she walked alone from the popular Takapuna markets through Killarney Park.
The woman was grabbed from behind and dragged to the ground outside the Takapuna Fire Station. Police said she screamed and struggled causing the offender to run off.
The offender was described as a 15-20-year-old Polynesian or Maori man, of medium to lean or muscular build and with a rounded face.
Police said he was also believed to be clean shaven, of average height and with black medium length straight hair.
He was wearing a white basketball style sports singlet, blue mid thigh shorts and grey sports shoes.
Detective Sergeant Scott Armstrong said it was too early to confirm if it was the same offender and would not comment on whether the attacks were of a sexual nature.
While both victims were shaken and suffered minor abrasions, Armstrong said they did not require hospital treatment.
"We encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity in the area."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8586692/Two-attacks-in-Takapuna
MARYKE PENMAN
Last updated 15:20 23/04/2013
Two women have been attacked in the space of just 24 hours in the Auckland area of Takapuna in what police believe could be related incidents.
Last night a 24-year-old woman was jogging at about 10pm when she was grabbed from behind and dragged to the ground by a man on the footpath of Lake Rd near the Waitemata Golf Club.
Police said the man placed a hand over the woman's mouth and a struggle ensued before he ran off into the trees near Sea Breeze Ave.
The woman's iPod was stolen during the attack, but later recovered by police near the scene.
Police said the man had been described as olive skinned, with dark curly hair and was wearing blue denim pants and a dark top.
In another similar incident, a 29-year-old woman was attacked in broad daylight on Sunday at about 9.30am as she walked alone from the popular Takapuna markets through Killarney Park.
The woman was grabbed from behind and dragged to the ground outside the Takapuna Fire Station. Police said she screamed and struggled causing the offender to run off.
The offender was described as a 15-20-year-old Polynesian or Maori man, of medium to lean or muscular build and with a rounded face.
Police said he was also believed to be clean shaven, of average height and with black medium length straight hair.
He was wearing a white basketball style sports singlet, blue mid thigh shorts and grey sports shoes.
Detective Sergeant Scott Armstrong said it was too early to confirm if it was the same offender and would not comment on whether the attacks were of a sexual nature.
While both victims were shaken and suffered minor abrasions, Armstrong said they did not require hospital treatment.
"We encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity in the area."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8586692/Two-attacks-in-Takapuna
