Police warn about gay-sex prowler

Palmerston North police warn that a man - possibly gay - could be prowling the streets in his car late at night looking to commit sex crimes.

The warning follows the sexual violation of a man who was given a lift by a stranger after he left a city pub early on June 22.

Police said the man was held at knifepoint and driven to a deserted area before being attacked.

The offender was described as Maori in his 40s, about 1.85m tall of solid build with a well-spoken manner. He drove a light-coloured Nissan with grey and red upholstery.

Detective Constable James Bugg said publicity about the attack had prompted a couple of other men to contact police to say they may have had brushes with the same man.

- NZPA