There's been a breakthrough by police investigating two assaults on sex workers in Christchurch in the early hours of Friday morning.
Police say a dispute over payment was behind the attack on sex worker. Photo: File picture - AFP
A prostitute was sexually assaulted in an empty section at 3am on Bealey Ave.
Two hours later another sex worker was punched in the face.
Detective Sergeant Richard Quested says they are working through CCTV footage for both attacks and already have a good image of the man they believe was involved in the sexual assault.
Mr Quested says the descriptions both victims have given of their attackers are similar and they can't discount the possibility they're dealing with the same offender.
The attacks have prompted some sex workers to stay off the streets, for fear they'll be next.
A Christchurch-based spokesperson for the Prostitutes Collective, Anna Reed, says the victim of the sexual assault is shattered by the experience.
Ms Reed describes the attacks as disturbing and hopes the images from cameras in the area will lead to the perpetrator being identified.
Ms Reed says some sex workers are staying away until the offender is captured.
