Whakatane detectives have started an investigation following allegations of a sexual assault last night.
Police tape has been used to cordon both the top and bottom of the stairs beside the Rockpit Gym in Canning Place.
The stairs signal the start of Whakatane's famous Kohi Point Walk and are also within metres of the town's bars.
A police photographer was at the scene this morning taking photos of an area to the side of the stairs.
A North Comms spokesperson said no further information was available at this stage.
