Police are issuing an alert to women after multiple attacks around Auckland were linked to the same man.
Four women have been assaulted on walking tracks in Auckland in October and November, leaving the victims with broken bones and other injuries.
Three attacks were in the North Shore's Murrays Bay and Browns Bay area. But police now believe the same man may be responsible for a very similar assault on a woman walking in west Auckland's Moire Park, Massey.
"These are serious, appalling and unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting women who were all on their own and targeted from behind," says Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill.
"We ask the public, particularly those exercising alone, to be alert and aware of your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity immediately by phoning 111."
The offender has been described by his victims as a male in his mid-20s to mid-30s with an olive complexion. He is around 180cms tall, has a large build and possibly has a man bun.
"I want to reassure the Waitemata community that we are doing everything we can in our investigations to find the person responsible for these assaults so we can hold them to account," Det Snr Sgt McNeill says.
"We acknowledge that these attacks have caused concern in the community and we have increased our Police presence in these areas as part of our enquiries."
Anyone with information about any of these assaults is asked to contact Waitemata Police on 105 and quote file number 191108/3003 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
