Dunedin police are "extremely concerned" a man who subjected a young woman to a prolonged and vicious rape is still loose in the community.
Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna said a 21-year-old woman was approached by the man when she was walking home through Dunedin's city centre between midnight
and 1am on Friday.
They made small talk then for no reason he attacked her, Mr Hanna said.
He then dragged her into a car park near Opus house on Rattray St, where he violently beat and raped her for about an hour.
"The attack was a very vicious prolonged attack on the victim and she has sustained numerous injuries to her face and body."
The woman had been treated for her injuries, which included two black eyes, facial bruising, a swollen jaw, cut lip as well as multiple abrasions, Mr Hanna said.
She had been released from hospital but was still in a lot of pain.
The victim had spoken to police again today and was holding up "as best as can be expected", he said.
The offender was described as Caucasian, in his mid to late 20s, clean shaven with a shaved head. He was medium build, about 175cm tall and wearing dark jeans.
"We're extremely concerned that a violent offender of this nature is still out in the community," Mr Hanna said.
"So we're asking anyone who has any possible ideas of who may fit that description, who was out and about in town on Friday night in that location and time to call us. "
Police also wanted to speak to anyone who saw the victim, who was wearing a white woollen cardigan with brown buttons, and the man in the area about the time of the attack, Mr Hanna said.
The man had stolen her mustard yellow leather handbag, which was about 30cm by 30cm with shoulder straps, Mr Hanna said.
"We are obviously interested in anyone who might have seen someone with that bag or has found a bag of that description."
- NZPA
