Warning: This story and video contains disturbing content
Disturbing footage has emerged of woman being beaten in a Ngāruawāhia liquor store before she's dragged into a car waiting outside.
It comes as police appeal for sightings of a 27-year-old woman who has gone missing.
CCTV footage captured the attack inside the Ngāruawāhia Bottle-O store on Saturday night.
In the footage posted to Facebook a woman in a white top can be seen backing away from a man in a white T-shirt before he assaults her, forcing her to the ground. He then drags her out of the shop towards a waiting car.
"This girl came running into our Ngaruawahia shop just before closing seeking protection and shelter from guy who was chasing her," shop owner Ash Parmar posted to Facebook.
"My staff and neighbour takeaway owner tried to stop but the guy looked high as a kite so they were scared also."
Parmar said police were called but claimed it took over 45 minutes for them to arrive.
"Hope she is ok I am really concerned about her welfare," he added.
In a statement to Newshub Police said they responded to reports of an incident on Great South Road, Ngāruawāhia, at around 8:46pm on Saturday.
"Enquiries were conducted soon after to locate the vehicle, including doing areas around the area it was reported and CCTV was gained from the shop. The vehicle was recovered. Enquiries are ongoing," they said.
On Sunday Waikato Police posted an appeal for help to find a missing woman, saying they have concerns for her safety and wellbeing.
They said she was last seen in the Ngāruawāhia area at around 8:40pm on Saturday.
She is described as being around 165cm tall, of thin build, with black long hair, and of Māori descent. There are concerns for her safety and well-being.
If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact Police on 105, or via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using 'Update My Report'.
Please reference file number 230409/3852.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
