Narara camouflage rapist strikes for second time

POLICE have called for calm despite the Narara camouflage rapist striking for a second time on the Central Coast.

Supt Mick Haddow has urged women and girls in the Narara area to be vigilant after the latest attack on an 18-year-old woman by a man fitting the same description as the one who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl last month.

POLICE have called for calm despite the Narara camouflage rapist striking for a second time at the weekend.

Detective Acting Superintendent Mick Haddow, the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad Commander, urged Narara residents to be “aware of those who are around you” following a man’s attack on an 18-year-old woman from behind after she got off a train on Sunday.

Supt Haddow said the offender’s description was “strikingly similar” to the man who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl as she walked to school on May 15 along the footpath connecting Carrington and Reeve streets.

The crime scene in Narara on the Central Coast where a 12-year-old girl was allegedly tied up and sexually assaulted on her way to school last month.

“We don’t want panic in the community,” he said. “We want people to be aware of their surroundings in this area. Try to walk in areas that are more heavily populated­.

“It’s concerning to us that this person does possibly live in the area. We are working very closely with the Brisbane Water Local Area Command. They are doing extra patrols in the area and we’re doing everything we can to assure the public we’re giving this job as many resources as we can.”

In the latest attack the teenager told police she got off a train shortly before 4.30pm and walked along Narara Valley Drive and into the laneway leading to Koninderie Pde, where she was approached from behind by an unknown man who grabbed her around the neck.

The woman told police she kicked back at the man, breaking free from his grip, and ran toward Koninderie Pde calling out for help. She also contacted 000 after seeing the man walk away towards Narara Valley Drive.

Police attended the location and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

The notorious pathway in Narara where a 12-year-old girl was allegedly tied up and sexually assaulted on her way to school on May 15.

The man is described as aged in his mid-20s, about 175cm tall, with a chubby build, ginger or blond hair, and blue eyes.

At the time, he was wearing a grey-hooded jumper, long, camouflage pants, and heavy black boots. He also had a loose covering over his face that exposed his eyes and nose.

“That description is strikingly similar to the description of the male involved in the offence on May 15,” Supt Haddow said.

“We are concerned about these matters and are seeking help from the public in relation to anyone in the (Narara) area who knows someone who fits that description, who is the owner of, or wears the camouflaged clothing I’ve described.

“Child abduction is very rare crime in NSW,” Supt Haddow said.

“It’s concerning that a person would be prepared to wear camouflaged clothing and cover their face the way this person has. It says something about the criminality of the person involved.”