Arrest after sexual assault

A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged after an alleged vicious sexual assault that left a young woman seriously injured.

The woman, in her early 20s, was allegedly attacked while jogging around Hatea Loop in central Whangarei at 6.30 this morning.

She was reportedly dragged into a vehicle, taken to an address and assaulted. The accused then left the woman on the street in central Whangarei.

A member of the public called emergency services just before 7.30 this morning.

The man will appear in Whangarei District Court tomorrow morning charged with abduction, sexual violation and wounding with intent to injure. He will remain in police custody overnight.