Police have released images of a man they are looking to speak to after a woman was sexually assaulted on a walking track through Jacana Reserve, near Johnstone Street in Jacana, on the morning of Wednesday, August 14.
The woman was running along the path at about 11:30am under a bridge when someone came up behind her.
She was thrown to the ground by the unknown male offender and sexually assaulted.
The woman was able to get away and ran to the car park, where two residents assisted her and called police.
She was taken to hospital with minor injuries including scratches and pain in her shoulders.
Since the incident police have canvassed local CCTV footage and Sexual Crimes Squad Detective Inspector Mark Burnett is asking people to come forward.
“The victim is aware that this public appeal is taking place and she’s a very brave woman and we’re especially impressed with the way she was able to assist police with our inquiries, provide a very accurate statement and the way she was able to fight and run from the scene,“ he said.
“Over the past nine days, detectives have painstakingly gone through hours of footage in the area in the hope of gaining further avenues of inquiry 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.”
Police are appealing for anyone who lives or was in the area near the Jacana Reserve between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday August 14 and may have CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity in the reserve.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
