Police investigating a string of violent attacks on women using popular walking tracks in Auckland believe the same man is behind each one.
The offender has assaulted four women so far leaving them with broken bones and other serious injuries.
After hiding near walking tracks, he's allegedly picked his female victims up from behind, before throwing them to the ground.
Their injuries have ranged from cuts to broken bones.
"Between them, they received dislocated shoulders, broken nose, broken bones to the face, lacerations," said Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill.
Four assaults have happened over the past six weeks, all in broad daylight.
The first two were carried out in October on a popular walkway in Murrays Bay. A few days later a third woman was attacked at a park in Massey.
Just two weeks ago, the offender was back in Murrays Bay just metres from his first target.
A woman was running when she was ambushed and thrown to the ground. He then proceeded to punch her multiple times in the head. She was left with several injuries, including a dislocated shoulder.
Police have upped their presence in the area doing daily patrols and even checking in from above with a helicopter.
"We understand that there is some concern and rightly so. These attacks are unprovoked," said McNeill.
The suspect is described as Māori, in his mid-20s, around 177cm tall and of an overweight build.
Police urgently want to hear from anyone who might have information about the man's identity so they can put an end to these violent assaults.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Waitemata Police on 105 quoting file number 191108/3003. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
