A sex attack on a Wellington woman was foiled by a couple who appeared on the scene, causing the attacker to flee.
The attack happened in the Aro Valley about 4am on Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Martin Todd said the attack took place on the walkway between Ohiro Road and Maarama Crescent, Aro Valley, as a 26-year-old woman was walking to a nearby house.
"Inquiries reveal that the woman was followed from Aro Street, on to Ohiro Road and then into the walkway," he said.
"She was grabbed from behind and indecently assaulted. A couple walking down the same walkway came across the attack and the offender fled back towards Ohiro Road."
Mr Todd said it was fortunate the couple turned up when they did.
"It is likely that they prevented a more serious assault on the woman."
The offender was described as a male European, about 20 to 25 years old, thin to medium build, 175cm tall with fair blonde hair that was 5-7cm in length. He was wearing jeans and a dark-coloured hooded sweatshirt.
Police are appealing to the public for help to identify the man.
