Police are calling on the public to help identify and locate a man who assaulted a woman in Invercargill around 8pm on Friday (31st May).

The victim had parked her car on Lindisfarne Street and was walking along the footpath towards the Curry Guru Malabar Kitchen Restaurant on Tay Street when she was grabbed from behind and pulled backwards.

Constable Brendan Howe said the victim was able to shake free from the man and make her escape by running onto the road and back to her car.

“This area is a main route into Invercargill," Mr Howe said. "If you were travelling in the Turnbull Thompson Park area at this time and saw this assault take place or any other suspicious behaviour we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information can contact the Invercargill Police Station on 03 211 0400 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.