Police have released security camera images of a man they are seeking in relation to assaults on two sex workers in Christchurch last week.
The images show a man walking on Manchester Street near the intersection with Bealey Avenue shortly before the first of the two attacks.
In the first attack, a prostitute was sexually assaulted in an empty section at 3am on Bealey Ave. Two hours later, a second sex worker was punched in the face.
A security camera image of a man police are seeking in relation to assaults on two sex workers. Photo: Supplied
Investigators can not say for sure that the two incidents are linked, but there are similarities about the descriptions, timing and locations.
The man police are looking for is described as a Maori or Polynesian, of solid build, with long, straggly hair, possibly tied in a ponytail. He was pictured wearing a white or light-coloured jacket.
Police will be stepping up patrols in the area this week to assist with inquiries and provide reassurance to street workers.
A Christchurch sex worker says she is nervous being on the streets with an attacker on the loose. Cindy says she is feeling nervous and has started carrying a knife down her bra.
"I know a couple of girls that stand on these corners and they said if they needed any help they would just sing out - I've told then that exact same thing too."
Cindy says other women are scared and they are all looking out for each other. Her minder, Paul, says he is also nervous for her and stays in constant phone contact when she is working.
A spokesperson for the regional Prostitutes Collective, Anna Reed, says the workers need to be extra vigilant and look out for one another.
