Police have issued a warrant for a man over an assault in Invercargill in which part of a woman's ear was bitten off.
She required medical treatment after the assault, in the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Armed Offenders Squad was called to Balfour in northern Southland on Monday after a report the man the police are seeking, Dale Jason Shillito, 30, of Invercargill, was there but he was not located.
Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy said he is Pakeha, 182cm tall, of medium to solid build with short dark hair and clean shaven.
He could be anywhere in the South Island and police are keen to find him.
Police do not believe he is a danger to the public but say anyone who sees someone fitting his description should not approach him, but call them.
