Hundreds of people have gathered in the Ross Creek area in Dunedin this evening to "reclaim'' the reserve after a young woman was sexually assaulted there early last week.
The 23-year-old woman was knocked to the ground, tied up and sexually assaulted on Monday evening. The offender is still being sought.
The attack prompted Dunedin TVNZ reporter Megan Martin to organise tonight's event, which has attracted a relaxed but sombre crowd estimated at more than 300 - a mix of men, women, children and a large number of dogs.
Ms Martin, who earlier said she was prompted by ''huge pity for the woman'' but also ''instant anger'', said tonight she was overwhelmed by the turnout.
She hoped the event would send the message that women should not have to worry about being safe in public, even if they were in Ross Creek jogging alone at night.
