KEY POINTS:
A young woman fought off a man who tried to rob and abduct her in central Rotorua yesterday.
The attack happened about 1.15pm when the 18-year-old victim was walking across reserve land adjacent to Pererika Street near the Rotorua Flyfishing Club building.
"She was approached by the occupant of a vehicle parked in the area," Detective Sergeant John Wilson, of Rotorua CIB, said today.
He tried to strike up a conversation with the woman before attacking her and attempting to take her handbag.
"During the struggle he dragged her for a distance and tried to force her into his car," Mr Wilson said.
"She managed to fight him off and escape."
The attacker was described as a male Caucasian, aged in his early 20s, and of slim build with blond hair. He was wearing a black jacket and a hoodie.
He was driving what was described as a bright red five-door Subaru hatchback.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, sightings of the vehicle, or any information about the identity of the attacker.
Mr Wilson said although the incident was within "spitting distance" of the place where about five young men sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman early on Saturday morning, the attacks were not linked.
The Rotorua woman was grabbed by one of the men about 3am on Pererika St, between Ann St and Phillip St.
He pulled her across the road into the tree line behind the Scout Hall, where the group of men sexually assaulted her, then ran off.
Mr Wilson said police were following positive lines of inquiry over Saturday's attack.
- NZPA
