Police are appealing for information after a man allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly woman after changing her punctured tyre near New Plymouth days before Christmas.
Detective Sergeant Pat Yates says the woman had been doing Christmas shopping in Waitara, close to New Plymouth, on December 22 when she decided to drive to Marine Parade (West Beach).
While parking, the woman damaged her car and received help from a man who changed her punctured tye. The man then drove her home where police say the woman was sexually assaulted.
Police are appealing for the public's help, wanting to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a man changing a tyre on the woman's white-coloured 2005 Toyoto Spacio or may have seen the car while it travelled from Waitara to Bell Block between 12pm and 2:30pm.
"We believe the Marine Parade area in Waitara was busy on that particular day and we're hoping someone noticed the man change the victim's tyre," says Det Sgt Yates.
"As anyone would imagine, this was a traumatic ordeal for the victim, she is receiving support from family and friends."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220103/4046.
