Woman grabbed, punched in attack

A woman was grabbed and punched in the face by a man in a "cowardly attack" in West Auckland last night.

The 26-year-old had got off a train at Sunnyvale Train Station around 7.40pm where she was followed by her attacker as she walked through a walkway.

Police said the man grabbed the woman from and punched her in the face in an attempt to get her on the ground.

"The female resisted the assault by kicking and punching the male and finally scratching his face," said Detective Sergeant Litherland.

"In a gutsy display of courage the victim was able to repel what was clearly premeditated and sinister attack."

Police said the man ran in the direction of the train station and his victim was left bruised and shaken.

The man has been described as a Pacific Island or Indian in his late 20s or early 30s with short black hair.

He had a skinny build and is likely to have scratch marks on his face. He was wearing a long-sleeved grey sweatshirt with black pants and black shoes.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the man in the vicinity of the station at Sunnyvale when the train arrived at 7.37pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News