Woman fights off man during possible abduction attempt - police

Police say a woman managed to fight off a man who was possibly trying to abduct her in Hamilton.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Cornes of the Adult Sexual Assault Team said the woman was approached by the man on Saxbys Road in Hamilton on Sunday around 5:20pm.

"The man has come up behind the woman and put his hand under her right arm and over her front, attempting to pull her backwards and take her to the ground," she said.

"As he was doing this he has tried to remove some of her clothing but overcoming her initial shock the victim has fought her attacker, stomping on his foot as he grabbed her by the hair and tried again to drag her to the ground."

The woman kicked the man in the shin and managed to break free and run down Deanwell Avenue.

Police said the offender followed her with a significant limp.

Police want the public to help to identify the man involved in the alleged attempted abduction.

"The offender was described as a male with brown coloured skin about 177-183cm tall of solid build believed aged in his mid-twenties.

"He was wearing a plain black hooded sweatshirt with a black string and a single front pocket about waist high and black pants. Police want to hear from anyone who may have noticed someone matching this description acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the attack, or the incident itself."

Anyone with any information on what may have occurred is asked to contact Constable Scott McKenzie at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.