UPDATED: 9.54am The woman who was found bound and gagged on the side of the road north of Auckland has been identified.

She remains in a critical condition at Auckland Hospital, with family by her side.

The woman, aged in her 20s or 30s, was found in a serious condition with head injuries in a gutter on Waiwhiu Rd, Dome Valley about 7am yesterday.

MORE: Police work to identify woman found on road side

A source has told the Herald the woman was “bound and gagged” when she was found unconscious by a member of the public.

Police were yesterday appealing to the public to identify the woman, who had a distinctive rose tattoo on her left calf with the words ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’ written on it.

She is a European woman with short dark hair.

Inspector Mark Fergus said yesterday police were keeping an open mind as to where and what caused her injuries, but foul play was expected.

He said police were focusing on identifying the woman, and as she is unable to speak to police, witnesses will be crucial in solving the case.

The woman flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition yesterday, and her condition remained unchanged this morning.