Five people who may have clues to a Christmas Eve rape in Auckland have been urged to call police, even if they believe they know nothing.
Police today released photographs of the three men and two women who walked past a security camera near Mills Lane where a 24-year-old woman was attacked.
The attack left the woman deeply traumatised and it was some time before police could talk to her to establish what happened.
Detective Constable Mark Greaves of the Adult Sexual Assault Team said shortly after 1am on December 24, the victim, who had shoulder-length dark hair, was raped next to a roller door in Mills Lane, by a Caucasian man in his late 20s.
He said the rapist had approached the woman who was waiting on a bench seat in Albert St for a taxi. He talked with her before advising her to accompany him to Mills Lane to catch a taxi from there.
Police searched through security camera footage and recovered images of five possible witnesses they want to speak with to see if they can provide clues.
Mr Greaves said any or all of the people who were walking towards the scene of the attack may have seen the rapist and his victim, seen the rapist fleeing, seen the distraught victim leaving the area, or heard the rape as it happened.
"We'd very much like to hear from the people whose images are on the CCTV footage who were in the vicinity of Mills Lane in the city between 1am and 2am on Christmas Eve, irrespective of whether or not they heard or saw anything," Mr Greaves said.
"While we're confident we will eventually track this offender down, we need the assistance of our public eyes and ears to do so." After the attack police said the woman was deeply shocked and could not speak. They also said the rapist may be showing signs of nerves.
Anyone with information should call 09 302 6514 or email Mr Greaves on mark.greaves@police.govt.nz. They could also call the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
