Woman grabbed by stranger as she walks down Avondale road

An Auckland woman was grabbed by a stranger as she was walking in Avondale last week.

Detective Elizabeth Willis said the woman was walking on Rosebank Rd in Avondale between 8pm and 9.30pm on September 11 when a man driving a black sedan started following her.

The man yelled out to her then parked his vehicle on Riversdale Rd. As the woman walked past he got out of his car and grabbed her from behind.

The victim managed to run away and hide until the man left the scene.

Police said the car the man was driving was similar to a Holden.

He was described as being possibly Maori or Pacific Island, in his 30s and about 175cm tall.

"This was a particularly frightening experience for the victim and we are very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen other suspicious behaviour in the area.

"If you have seen a vehicle or person matching this description behaving suspiciously, please call us immediately, even the smallest piece of information may prove valuable to help ensure this man is held to account for his actions," Willis said.

If you have any information contact Willis on (09) 820 5776 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.