Police are appealing for information relating to an indecent assault in Whakatane recently.

Senior Sergeant Yvonne Parker says a woman was grabbed inappropriately by a man while walking along The Strand near The Carvery butchery on Saturday, February 6, at about 12.30pm.

'The man has then walked off down the Strand while she phoned the police.

'Obviously it was not a nice event for her to have that happen. She's not a local woman and has now left Whakatane, but police are keeping in contact with her.”

The victim has described the man as being in his 20's, of slim build with very short shaven hair, and was wearing a singlet, khaki knee length shorts and jandals.

This recent incident is similar to a series of events that occurred between March and November of last year in Whakatane which resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old male. That matter is still before the Youth court.

Yvonne says they take these reports seriously and is appealing to anyone who may have experienced a similar incident recently to contact police.

'There may be people who have experienced something similar recently but may not have thought much of it.

'When we put the word out last time we had more reports come in from people who otherwise wouldn't have told us about it. These reports helped us getter a better description of the offender.”

If you recognise the description of the offender or witnessed the incident please call Whakatane Police on 07-308-5255 and refer to file: 160206/6504.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800-555-111.