Police hunt offender with limp

Bay of Plenty police are hunting for a man whose limp was likely caused by falling from a balcony as he fled a crime scene.

The man was found inside a home on Turner Drive at about midnight on Saturday by a 19-year-old woman who had been sleeping.

She immediately alerted another occupant of the house and the offender ran from the address, falling from a nearby three metre high balcony.

Detective John Hope says minutes later a neighbour disturbed someone breaking into his vehicle and noticed the offender, a man of medium build, had an obvious limp as he ran away.

A police dog tracked the alleged offender to Leslie Avenue, where there were approximately 180 people at a large party.

Police are keen to hear from anyone from the party who saw a man injured or with a noticeable limp around the relevant time.

The incident in Turner Road is being treated as a burglary with sexual overtones, says John.

Anyone else who saw or heard anything suspicious on the night, or knows the identity of the offender, is asked to contact Detective John Hope at Rotorua Police on 07 349 9561. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.