Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad will hold an information caravan in Dandenong North today as part of their investigation into the sexual assault of a woman on the Dandenong Creek Trail last month.
They are also releasing footage of a man they are hoping to identify.
Police have been told the woman was running along the trail, near Outlook Drive just north of Mercer Court, on 31 January when an unknown man approached her about 3pm.
It’s understood the woman had been running in a southerly direction on the trail when she first saw the man on a bicycle.
After turning around shortly after to start running north, the same man approached her from behind and threw her to the ground.
The man lay on top of her and attempted to remove her clothing, however the woman screamed and attempted to fight him off.
She was successful and the man jumped on his bike and took off south towards Tirhatuan Park.
The woman then called triple zero (000) however police were not able to locate the man.
He is described as being possibly in his late teens or early 20s, of a thin build and with an olive complexion, potentially perceived to be of Indian or sub-continental appearance.
The man was wearing a grey t-shirt, dark coloured pants, slides and socks at the time of the incident.
Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are investigating and today will hold an information caravan in the area (the corner of Police Road and the Dandenong Creek trail) from 1pm where the incident occurred in the hope someone has information about the incident or the man involved.
The Mounted Branch will also conduct patrols in the area.
At this time, investigators have not been able to locate any similar incidents occurring in the area and are treating it as an isolated attack.
Police are also releasing footage of a man seen in the area who they are hoping to identify, which shows him riding a bicycle.
Detectives are keen to know if anyone has seen the man in the vicinity of the park at any time or has any information about his identity.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Glyn Woolley:
“This is a concerning attack on a woman who was simply going for a run through her local park.
“She has been exceptionally brave and managed to fight him off before contacting police.
“Since that time, detectives have undertaken a significant CCTV canvass of the area and also worked with local police to conduct patrols through the park to try and locate the man over the past few weeks.
“We have no reason at this stage to believe the attack was targeted nor have we found any similar incidents occurring in this area over the past few months.
“Hopefully by holding this information caravan and releasing this footage today, this will provide us with new lines of enquiry.
“I encourage anyone with information to please come and see us at the caravan today or to contact Crime Stoppers.”
