Police hunt teenager's attacker

Police are appealing for sightings of a man who attacked a teenager on her way home from school.

A 15-year-old girl was assaulted on Gulliver Rd in Paengaroa after she hopped off the bus at the corner of SH2 and Gulliver Rd about 4pm on Tuesday.

She heard footsteps behind her and was then tackled from behind.

The girl struggled with the man for a short time but managed to fight him off.

He ran away towards SH2.

The attacker is described as an Indian man about 20-years-old who is of a tall, skinny build and has short hair.

Te Puke Detective Sergeant Ryan Yardley praised the actions of the teenager.

''The actions of the girl were brave and she is recovering with her family,'' he said.

''This is a concerning incident and we are treating it seriously. Whilst we don't want the community to be unduly alarmed, it is clearly important that we identify this offender."

Police would like to hear from anyone who gave a man fitting the description a ride or saw him in the SH2 or Gulliver Rd area at any time on Tuesday.