Police have completed a scene examination after a "blitz-type'' sexual assault on a woman in Dunedin's Ross Creek Reserve.
The 23-year-old ran to a Cannington Rd address and banged on the door for help after being tied up and sexually assaulted in the reserve about 9.15pm on Monday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis said the woman was running through the reserve when she was attacked by an assailant dressed in black.
''This is a stranger attack and one we take particularly seriously,'' he said. ''A blitz-type attack on her from behind by what she describes as a male person wearing black clothes.''
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Det Snr Sgt Croudis said this afternoon that cordons have been lifted and police were awaiting results from forensics taken in the area.
"As a result of the scene examination police have a number of forensic opportunities to pursue, however, this could take some weeks and is in the hands of ESR specialists,'' he said.
The woman's attacker was described as a tall and skinny European man wearing black shoes, a black T-shirt, and a pair of black ''Skins'' compression wear with white writing. The victim was unable to identify his face.
"Police have now moved into a phase of continuing to identify potential witnesses and are continuing to ask the public for their help,'' Det Snr Sgt Croudis said.
Police were particularly interested in the 'Skins' compression leggings the offender was believed to be wearing.
"Police would like to hear from anyone who thinks someone they know has an item of clothing like this and may have been in the area between 7pm and 10.30pm on Monday night,'' he said.
Anyone with information that can help should contact Dunedin police on (03) 471-4800. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As the cordons have lifted, police encouraged those who use the reserve to continue to do so but to keep alert, Det Snr Sgt Croudis said.
"We would like to hear from anyone who sees anything suspicious or any unusual behaviour in the area," he said.
