13 Mar 2016

Police investigate sexual assault in Hastings

3:35 pm on 13 March 2016

Hawke's Bay police are investigating a sexual assault on Wednesday near Flaxmare Park in Hastings.

They said an 18-year-old woman was leaving the park about 8.30pm when she was approached by a man who forced her into a silver Subaru parked on Wilson Road and sexually assaulted her.

He has been described as a Samoan or Pacific Islander.

Detective Sarah Williams said police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the incident or the vehicle involved.

"We are seeking assistance from anyone who saw the silver Subaru parked on Wilson Road around that time - or saw the male or the female near the vehicle.

"We just ask them to come forward with any information they have."

No arrests had been made but a man was helping the police with their investigation, she said.