A person is in critical care after being lured to an Invercargill park on a dating app and attacked last week.
Friday's assault, followed by a similar one on Sunday, has prompted police to issue a warning, urging dating app users to "protect themselves" when meeting with people they've spoken to online.
Inspector Mel Robertson said the first attack occurred late at night on Friday, May 8. A person was in critical care following the assault. The attack on Sunday, May 10, left one person seriously injured.
“In both incidents reported to police, it appears people are using these apps to lure people to secluded locations late at night with the intention to attack them," Robertson said.
“Both these reported incidents occurred in the Queens Park area.”
Robertson said police were investigating both incidents and working to identify and locate the alleged offenders.
Investigators wanted to hear from anyone who had information about the assaults, as well as anyone in the Queens Park area between 6pm and 4am from Friday, 8 May to Sunday, 10 May.
“These alleged offenders are engaging with people on these apps with the intention of meeting them in quiet areas at nighttime to attack them," Robertson said.
“Not only are they taking advantage of people’s trust, but they are planning these attacks with the intention to seriously injure these people."
She urged anyone planning to meet with someone they met on a dating app to choose a well-lit, public location. Robertson said people should let someone "trusted" know about their plans and movements.
Those with information on the attacks were asked to contact police via 105.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Trump says the Iran ceasefire is on life support, and why Emmanuel Macron’s told off a crowd. (Source: Breakfast)
SHARE ME