Detectives from the Sexual Crime Squad have released images of a man they are looking to speak to after a woman was sexually assaulted on a walking track in Jacana last week.
The woman was running along the path through Jacana Reserve, near Johnstone Street, on the morning of Wednesday, 14 August.
About 11.30am, the woman was going under a bridge area when she heard someone come up behind her.
She was subsequently thrown to the ground by the unknown male offender and was sexually assaulted.
The woman was able to get away and ran to the car park, where two passersby assisted and called police.
She was taken to hospital with minor injuries including scratches and pain in her shoulders.
A search of the area was conducted by local police, the Air Wing and Dog Squad after the incident, however the man was not able to be located.
At the time of the incident it’s believed the man was wearing a dark jumper and pants.
Over the past 10 days, investigators have undertaken a significant CCTV canvas of the area, including along Ripplebrook Drive and Westfield Boulevard near the reserve.
As a result, police are today issuing CCTV and images of an unidentified man they wish to speak to as part of the investigation.
It’s believed the man was in the area at the time of the incident and police are keen to speak to him, and are also urging the man himself to come forward.
Police are further appealing for anyone who lives or was in the area near the Jacana Reserve between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, 14 August and may have CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward.
Investigators are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity in the reserve.
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mark Burnett, Sexual Crimes Squad:
“Over the past nine days, detectives have painstakingly gone through hours of footage in the area in the hope of gaining further avenues of enquiry for this investigation.
“This has led to police locating footage of a man we believe was in the area at the time who we have not been able to identify. We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises this man or has further information about his identity.
“This is certainly a very concerning incident for both police and the local community.
“Since it occurred, detectives have been working closely with local police who have conducted significant patrols around that area.
“Investigators are doing everything we can to ensure we identify and find this person as soon as possible and I’d urge anyone with information about the identity of the man to come forward.”
