Two people have been arrested after an apparently racially motivated attack on a female Japanese student in Christchurch in which the pair allegedly set their dogs on to her, say police.
A 25-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were arrested in relation to the attack, which happened on Lincoln Road about 11.30pm on Sunday, said Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Murton of Christchurch South police.
"The arrested pair are alleged to have made racist comments to the 18-year-old student as they passed her on the footpath while walking their dogs, before setting the two dogs on her, encouraging them to bite her.''
The victim managed to escape serious injury by backing into a wall, and was helped by a passer-by, Mr Murton said.
"The victim was shaken and upset and was treated at hospital for superficial scratches on her back from being forced against the wall, but suffered no other injuries.''
Police found the suspects nearby after they were identified by witnesses,
They have been remanded on bail to reappear in Christchurch District Court on May 10.
Police have seized the two dogs.
