Women walking their babies have been attacked in broad daylight by a serial teen sex attacker in Onehunga.
Fear is gripping the central Auckland suburb as police hunt for a boy aged between 12 and 16 who has attacked at least 11 women since October.
Hundreds of women have signed up to self-defence classes put on by the local business association since the attacks first started.
Several of the brazen daytime attacks had taken place while women were wheeling their young children in pushchairs.
Onehunga Business Association manager Amanda Kinzett told the Herald victims had described on social media the shocking moment they were groped from behind by the serial attacker.
"What he does is cops a feel then runs off," she said.
"He either grabs their breasts or their front section or bottom and scarpers."
Those who were with their children had felt stunned and powerless to give chase.
"From what I understand there have been some women who have been assaulted while they have been walking their babies in prams.
"If you're a mum with bubs you're not going to leave your children behind."
Ms Kinzett said the victims had described being initially stunned by the attacks then left feeling incredibly angry.
She said self-defence classes specially put on in response to the serial attacker had proved so popular there was a waiting list of hundreds.
Women were taking extra precautions going out and no longer walking alone in the suburb, she said.
Ms Kinzett said the whole community was on edge and she hoped the attacker was caught soon.
"If he's doing this at 12,13, or 16, it's concerning.
"If his family is hiding him they need to be aware of what he is becoming.
This kid is already becoming a serial attacker. Sure, groping is one thing but he's going to want more soon," she said.
