Girl, 5, attacked in holiday park

MAURICE COSTELLO/Fairfax NZ

LOOKING FOR CLUES: Police staff examine the caravan where a five-year-old girl was viciously attacked at a holiday park in Turangi.

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A police detective says a vicious attack on a young girl at a holiday park in Turangi is one of the worst he's seen.

The five-year-old tourist suffered severe head injuries and was knocked unconscious during attack, between 10.10pm and 10.40pm yesterday at Club Habitat in Turangi.

The girl's three-year-old brother, who was in the caravan at the time, slept through the attack. He was unharmed.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper said the girl's parents were in an amenity block just metres away from the family's caravan when the mother returned to their site to find the caravan locked and a man inside lying on top of her daughter.

She screamed and ran to get her husband. When they returned the caravan door was open, the man was gone and their daughter was lying seriously injured in her bed.

The girl was in a serious but stable condition at Waikato Hospital after four hours of surgery for her injuries. It was not known whether more surgery will be required.

Loper said the attack on the girl, who was on holiday with her family from Europe, was one of the worst assaults on a child he had seen in his 28 years policing.

"The attack was brutal, on a young defenceless child who should have been spending Christmas on a dream holiday with her family. Her parents are absolutely distraught. They have expressed to us that their privacy is very important to them and they have asked for some space."

Police declined to provide details of the girl's injuries however Loper said "they are significant and heart-wrenching. The nature of her injuries lead us to believe that the attack was sexually motivated".

It was unknown whether the offender was staying at the camp or whether it was a random attack from someone who came into the property.

The Dominion Post is aware there was a burglary at the camp ground the night before.

Loper said he was aware of the burglary and police were "leaving no stone unturned''.

Police had spoken to 16 people who were staying at the park last night and were talking with local residents to try to identify witnesses, Loper said.

Anyone with information about the attack should contact police immediately, he said.

"It is vital that anyone who has the smallest piece of information that might help this investigation comes forward as soon as possible."

Loper said a full scene examination was being carried out with police involved from Taupo, Rotorua and Waikato.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Glenn Dunbier said the family were overwhelmed by the support they have received.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on (07) 378 6060.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

- © Fairfax NZ News