Police are investigating reports of a North Shore home invasion during which a woman says she was sexually attacked.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby said police were called to the Birkdale address just after 9pm on Friday by a 46-year-old woman who had been home alone.
The womansaid a man broke into her Canongate St home and sexually attacked her. He is described as Maori, aged 35-45 and wearing a beanie, dark blue T-shirt and dark coloured nylon trackpants.
A neighbour told the Herald she was leaving for work about 10 that night when police stopped her.
They said there had been a "serious incident" and wanted to speak to her and her husband about whether they had seen anything suspicious.
"They said a girl had been attacked in her house. I asked the police if the girl knew the intruder and they said 'no'." The neighbour asked if she should be extra vigilant in locking her doors and windows and the police suggested it would be a good idea.
Mr Libby said police were still in the early stages of their inquiry. Forensic staff had been at the house on Saturday looking for evidence but officers had yet to fully interview the woman.
He asked that anyone who had seen anything suspicious on Friday night call the North Shore police on (09) 477-5000.
