4 Dec 2014

Woman, dog send attacker on his way

8:59 pm on 4 December 2014

A woman fended off a would-be attacker with a kick to the groin - and her dog chimed in with a bite to his arm - in a Hamilton supermarket car park last night, police say.

Detective Sergeant Matt Cranshaw said a man approached the 20-year-old woman, who was in her vehicle in the centre of the Countdown supermarket car park in Bridge Street, about 8pm yesterday.

He grabbed her from behind as she opened the driver's side door, Mr Cranshaw said.

"The victim's dog jumped from the car and bit the offender on his right forearm while the victim managed to kick the man in the groin," he said.

The man, who was described as being an Indian in his mid 30s to early 40s, fled the scene.

Police wanted to speak to anyone who saw the incident or who may know of a man matching the offender's description who has a bite mark on their right forearm and/or is displaying signs of discomfort as a result of being kicked in the groin.

"This was an attack with sexual overtones and is of concern to us," Mr Cranshaw said.

"We commend the complainant for her swift action and are providing support for her."