A sinister attack on a woman in Christchurch this morning was thwarted when the plucky female fought back - smashing her assailant in the face with a cellphone.
Between 3 and 3.30am a man approached a woman in Riccarton, grabbing her and pulling her into a bush.
But the woman struck the attacker with her phone and ran off.
Police are investigating and say the man may have suffered injuries to his head or face.
The frightening incident happened on Wharenui Rd, near Puna St.