Police in Palmerston North are urging people to be aware that a man – possibly gay – could be prowling the streets in his car late at night looking to commit sex crimes. The warning follows the sexual violation of a man who was given a lift by a stranger after he left a city pub early on the 22nd of June. Police said the man was held at knifepoint and driven to a deserted area before being attacked. The offender was described as Maori in his 40s, about 1.85m tall of solid build with a well-spoken manner. Detective Constable James Bugg said today publicity about the attack had prompted a couple of other men to contact police to say they may have had brushes with the same man. "One said he accepted a lift. . . and got the feeling as he was driving that the guy was specifically out looking to pick up another male." Another declined a ride from a man of a similar description to the alleged offender. Mr Bugg said police were keen to hear from anyone else who may have had similar experiences. The victim of the alleged 22nd of June attack had described his attacker's vehicle as being a light coloured Nissan with an automatic transmission, electric windows and grey and red upholstery. Ref: NZPA (m)