Parents cautious, women afraid to walk alone as the search continues for a sexual predator

Women on Brisbane’s northside are speaking out claiming they feel scared, with families cautiously approaching a usually friendly park following no leads on an horrific sexual attack.

Women have been left scared and angry according to a local businesswoman, with a predator still on the loose after a woman was sexually assaulted in Brisbane’s north.

Police are still searching for a man in his late teens to early 20s after an assault on Saturday, August 7 at North Lakes.

It’s alleged the man grabbed a 25-year-old woman who was running in the park just before 6pm, dragged her into a toilet block and sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

The woman was knocked unconscious in the sexual assault.

North Lakes women are cautious an horrific sexual assault in Aurora Park. Picture: Natalie Wynne.

Business professional women North Lakes president Sara Gault says what’s happened it’s simply devastating.

“You’ve got families, elderly moving around in that park every day, no one would think this would happen,” she said.

“The fact that he hasn’t been caught … it’s a really good likeness, someone knows him.

“He’s just buying his time, he will get caught.”

Ms Gault said a lot of women in the community are now walking in groups or not at all.

“Women are cautious, scared, insecure and also they’re looking at themselves too which you shouldn’t have to,” she said.

“Women should be do what you like, wear what you like – whatever, it’s a male problem.

“When are the young men in society going to be taught that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable.

“Thank goodness things are changing and other men are stepping up to unacceptable peer behaviour.”

Aurora Park at North Lakes was the scene of an horrific attack. Picture: Natalie Wynne.

The BPW North Lakes group formed in June 2015 as a mentoring and networking group, who are committed to taking action for women’s equality.

Ms Gault says females should be allowed to walk confidently in a public park, no matter the time.

“This gets me angry to think that women have to be looking over their shoulder when they’re just walking in a park,” she said.

“What do you tell your daughter, don’t go to the park, don’t walk alone?

“It’s a terrible way to live in fear like that.”

Thessa Canzon has lived in the area for three years and says she tries to walk during the day only.

“During the day it’s ok, especially because I have my dogs with me it definitely makes me feel a lot safer,” she said.

“I try not to go (walking) alone especially in the evenings definitely … and (I try to) keep closer towards the roads especially if you’re walking at night.”

Thessa Canzon, 22, is still walking in Aurora Park but is making sure she brings her dogs along.

The 22-year-old said the news of the attack was pretty full on, especially since it’s so close to where she lives.

She says there are sections of the park she tries to avoid.

“There’s definitely some areas when you’re walking through here at night where there’s not a lot of lighting,” she said.

“There’s a lot of dead foliage around the back there so it’s pretty easy for people to hide there.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids congregating in that area.”

Another woman who didn’t wish to be identified told the North Lakes Times she felt safe in the park during the day.

She said the attack wasn’t going to stop her bringing her family to the beautiful park but she remained wary.

Police are appealing for the public's help to identify a man after a woman was assaulted in a toilet block.

It comes after detectives appealed for tattoo artists who may know man or who inked his distinct American eagle tattoo to contact police.

Redcliffe CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Guy Ford told the Courier Mail the American eagle tattoo was believed to be professionally done and appealed for both tattoo artists and ride share drivers to help with the investigation.

“Police are appealing to tattoo artists who have tattooed an eagle on the left upper arm of a caucasian male,” Sen Sgt Ford said.

“Of note, there is no other tattoo on that left arm.

“Someone out there knows this person and knows this tattoo and we encourage them to come forward and contact police or to anonymously call Crimestoppers,” he said.

“Police are also appealing for anyone from taxi or rideshare driver who have picked up or dropped off someone with a similar appearance.”

The man is described as caucasian in appearance, about 170cm tall and of a thin build.

He is believed to be in his late teens to early 20s, has short blonde hair, clean shaven and was wearing spacer-style earrings.

Anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage that could identify the man have also been encouraged to speak to detectives.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000

Quote reference number: QP2101451726