Manhunt for toilet block gay sex attacker

Police in Christchurch are seeking witnesses after a 57-year-old man was sexually attacked and robbed in a park toilet block.

The victim, who stopped to go to the toilet on his way home from a meeting last night, was grabbed from behind by a man and sexually assaulted in the toilet block at Burwood Park between 11pm and midnight.

Detective Sergeant Greg Cottam, of Papanui police, told NZPA the man was uninjured in the attack, but badly shocked.

The toilet block, next to the Burwood Park Tennis Club off Cresswell Ave, was not known to be a meeting place for homosexual liaisons, Mr Cottam said.

"It's just a case of wrong place, wrong time,'' he said.

"We haven't got a good description,'' Mr Cottam said. "We're looking for a male and that's about it. Unfortunately there are no lights in the toilet block.''

Mr Cottam said the victim underwent a medical examination last night and the area was cordoned, with a scene guard in place. A forensic examination was being done in the area today.

The victim was "in shock'' and being supported at home today by family and friends.

Mr Cottam said police wanted to hear from anyone who was in the Burwood Park area about the time of the incident.

- NZPA