Manningham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was stalked by a man while out exercising in Donvale on Saturday.
The 59-year-old woman was walking west along the Eastlink Trail, between Springvale Road and the Mullum Mullum Tunnel, when she noticed a man with an unusual gait walking ahead of her about 11am.
The man changed direction and started walking towards the victim on the same side of the track to her.
She changed sides multiple times, with the man mirroring her movements each time.
When he came within 1m of her, she turned around and fled into a park on the northern side of the bike track while calling out for help with the man running after her.
The man eventually gave up and returned to the Eastlink Trail, walking in a westerly direction.
The victim was able to seek assistance from a passing cyclist who walked her back to her parked car.
Investigators believe there were other people out exercising who would have seen this man.
He was perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, possibly aged in his 50s, about 177-182cm tall with a solid build and short mostly grey beard.
At the time he was wearing black lycra exercise pants, black runners, a black jacket and black peaked cap.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the man walking in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
