New Zealand

Police search South Auckland park after person assaulted

13:50 pm on 17 January 2023

(file picture) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police are still searching for a person after a daylight assault at Tōtara Park in South Auckland.

Police said they were called to an incident about 11am, and one person had minor injuries.

An increased police presence was in the area, including the neighbouring Botanic Gardens, as they searched the area.

A cordon was in place around Tōtara Park and the Botanic Gardens but was later stood down in the afternoon.

Police said the investigation was ongoing.

In an update on Tuesday afternoon, police appealed to the public for sightings of a male, in his 20s, of chubby build and wearing a dark blue T-shirt.

Anyone who may have seen this person, or any suspicious activity in the Tōtara Park area, is asked to contact police on 105, quoting P053329256.