Hostel sex attack claims: More information sought by police

Michael Harris / APN

Police are continuing to call for more information relating to a string of suspected indecent assaults allegedly carried out by Northland lodge owner Michael Harris.

The 56-year-old is facing 39 charges related to indecent assaults on 16 young men, mostly overseas tourists, who stayed at the Main St Lodge in Kaitaia.

More than 30 people came forward after police revealed the charges last week, and called for anyone else who suspected they may be victims to come forward.

"Police are now working through the process of identifying other potential victims, following a significant number of phone calls and emails received since last week," Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston of Operation Snap said.

A team of 16 police officers is now working on the case, with staff drafted in from Auckland and Waikato.

Most are working on contacting and interviewing those who had come forward, with assistance from the police electronic crime lab in Auckland, which is going through seized material.

"The process of identifying potential victims and linking these to the information we have obtained is ongoing, and likely to take some time," he said.

"However, we encourage anyone that may have information that could be relevant to please come forward."

Further charges were likely to be laid during Harris' next court appearance on Thursday, Mr Johnston said.

Harris faces 39 charges, including aggravated wounding by allegedly drugging victims to facilitate an indecent assault, making of intimate visual recordings, possession of intimate visual recordings, and indecent assault, relating to 16 victims aged between 18 and 25.