Self-defence in the News - No. 48

Attacker clawed in the face

 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9313048/Attacker-clawed-in-the-face 

22/10/2013

 

A Christchurch woman was pushed to the ground, headbutted and punched in the face by a man who then tried to sexually assault her.

She managed to get away though, fending off the attacker by clawing at his face.
The attack, in Nunweek Park in the Christchurch suburb of Harewood, happened at about 2.30am yesterday.

Police this afternoon appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Police Detective Sergeant Richard Quested said the woman, aged in her 20s, parked her car in Wooldridge Rd before trying to use the toilets in the park.

However, they were locked and as she returned to the car she was attacked from behind.

"The woman was pushed to the ground, headbutted and hit in the face. While on the ground her attacker has attempted to sexually assault the woman, but was disturbed by a passing street sweeping machine," Quested said.

"The woman clawed at the man's face and pushed him off, and was able to run back to her car and drive away."

She suffered cuts and bruises and was fortunate not to be seriously injured.

The attacker was described as between 1.67 metres and 1.77m tall, of medium build with a "beer belly" and a moustache. He was believed to be wearing a black cap with a black hoodie pulled up over the cap, Quested said.

"If anyone has seen a man of this description, or any other suspicious people or activity around the park, we urge them to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Pamela Cox on 03 372 5710, Christchurch police on 03 363 7400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News