A 34-year-old man has appeared in the Whakatāne District Court charged with a series of serious offences following what police are calling a "heinous attack" on a woman on Ōhiwa Harbour Road last week.

Police were notified of the assault on Ōhiwa Harbour Road at around 10.30pm on Thursday, February 26. The alleged offender was located on Phoenix Drive in Whakatāne shortly after 12.30am and taken into custody.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations manager, said the victim was “understandably extremely shaken” and had sustained moderate injuries.

“Police are offering her all the necessary support,” he said.

A scene examination was carried out on Ōhiwa Harbour Road as enquiries continued into what police believe was an isolated incident.

“We understand the community will be shaken following this incident, and police are conducting reassurance patrols in the area,” Detective Senior Sergeant Wilson said. “Our initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident, and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.”

The man is charged with abduction, wounding with reckless disregard, assault with intent to commit sexual violation, indecent assault, and strangulation.

Police continue to investigate.