BMX rider attacks women in Hastings

Police are investigating a second sex attack by a young man in central Hastings. File photo / NZ Herald

Police are investigating a second sex attack by a young man riding a BMX bike in central Hastings and are appealing for any other possible victims to come forward.

Two women were attacked within minutes of each other while walking along Queen Street West yesterday morning.

Police said that the first woman, in her late teens, was approached by the BMX rider and sexually assaulted.

He then followed her on his bike, sexually assaulting her several more times.

The woman texted her boyfriend for help and arranged to meet him in town.

Her attacker then grabbed her clothing and tried to drag her into an alley, but she fought him off.

He reappeared shortly afterwards and assaulted her again before she managed to escape into a shop.

The second victim was sexually assaulted in the same vicinity a short time later.

Police described the attacker as Maori with a pale complexion, aged about 20, wearing a white shirt and shorts and riding a small black BMX bike.

- NZPA