The assault of a 15-year-old girl carrying a backpack and shopping bag in Wellington on Sunday evening wasn't motivated by theft, police believe.
The girl was assaulted by a man wearing black clothing at about 7.50pm on Sunday as she walked down Miramar's Mander Pl and Otaki St.
Police said she got off a Wellington city bus at the intersection of Park Rd and Miramar Ave in Miramar.
As she left the bus, carrying a backpack and a shopping bag, she noticed a thin male in black clothing, including a top with a hood, across the road near the shops.
As she walked down Miramar Ave a second man wearing white clothing walked past her.
The girl then entered a walkway that runs between Mander Place and Otaki St and was seriously assaulted by the first man wearing black.
Police said the second man was considered to be a witness in this matter and may provide information about the girl and the other man dressed in black clothing.
Other passengers on the bus may also recall seeing the man wearing black, and police encouraged anyone with information to contact Detective Tim McIntosh at Wellington Central Police Station on 04 381 2000.
Alternatively, information could be provided anonymously through the organisation Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.