Vehicle clue in girl's assault in Napier

A description of a car may hold vital clues to the police hunt for a man who sexually assaulted a young girl on a Napier greenbelt area on Tuesday.

The 11-year-old girl was attacked as she walked along the greenbelt on Georges Drive around 4.30pm on Tuesday. The attack occurred near the Chinese bridge between Chambers St and Ashridge Rd.

Constable Steve Leonard said several people had phoned police with information about the incident. One woman reported seeing a male fitting the description of the offender driving a white 1980s model Toyota stationwagon that day. The car had a square back and had a black registration plate with white writing.

The woman told police the car stopped on Riverbend Rd next to three young boys at about 4.15pm on Tuesday. The boys were seen speaking to the male driver before walking off towards Latham St.

Another person confirmed seeing a male of similar description on Georges Drive at the same time as the incident. He was heading towards Kennedy Rd and looking behind.

The man is described as a Caucasian, clean-shaven, in his early 20s, of slim build and about 1.7m tall. He had short straight brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a blue checked long-sleeved shirt, black jeans and a yellow plastic watch on his right wrist.

Mr Leonard said it was imperative that police identified the offender.

"Someone will know who this person is and we encourage anyone to come forward with information.

"The description is quite specific and he was wearing some quite distinctive items, which someone may recognise," Mr Leonard said.

Anyone with information about the offender or who saw the incident should contact Napier police on 06 8310700. Information can also be left anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.