Police manhunt ongoing after armed man targets women in terrifying crime spree

A large-scale manhunt is underway for a “cowardly” assailant who has stalked and attacked a number of women in Sydney’s northwest. The public has been warned not to approach him.

Police are hunting for a masked and armed man accused of targeting women in a terrifying crime spree throughout Sydney’s northwest.

Officers were called to the Northmead area shortly before 4.30am on Wednesday following reports a male was trespassing on numerous properties. 

Superintendent Barry Vincent from NSW Police said the spree started at approximately 5am when a white Mitsubishi Outlander SUV was allegedly stolen from a service station along Windsor Rd in Northmead, while its 37-year-old driver was inside the store. 

Approximately 10 minutes later a 47-year-old female was walking along Mons Rd in Northmead when the SUV stopped near her and the driver approached her. 

She attempted to run from the scene but tripped over and the attacker allegedly stole her handbag and drove from the location. 

A police investigation is underway after several armed robberies were committed in Sydney’s north west on Wednesday Picture: 7News

The male went on an alleged crime spree throughout the day. Picture: 7News

“After a short wrestle, her personal items including a bag were taken from her,” Vincent said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. 

A short time later the male struck again, targeting a 19-year-old woman walking along Junia Ave in Toongabbie. 

The teen was captured on CCTV trying to break into cars. Picture: Amanda D Sa/Facebook

Police were told the woman was approached from behind by a man of similar description. 

After a brief struggle, the man brandished a weapon before taking several items from her. 

“It’s alleged he produced a knife and a number of personal items were stolen from this woman as well,” Vincent said.

Shortly thereafter, a 27-year-old woman was similarly approached from behind on North Rocks Rd in North Parramatta and threatened with a hammer for her belongings.

The woman handed the man her purse and mobile phone where he ran to a nearby shopping centre carpark and left the scene driving the SUV.

Polair and the Dog Squad were called in to help try find the attacker. Picture: 7News

Men known to the woman tracked her stolen phone to the nearby North Rocks Rd near William Place and confronted the offender. 

The attacker smashed their car window with a hammer and assaulted them again before fleeing the scene. 

The SUV was located nearby and seized for forensic examination but the offender is nowhere to be found. 

“We were unable to locate the offender,” he said.

Officers – with the assistance of Polair, Dog Unit, Raptor and the Operational Support Group – conducted a major search for the male, however, he was unable to be located.

The man is described as being of medium build, in his 20s, wearing a black beanie, black balaclava, a black Nike hoodie, black long pants, black gloves, and black shoes.

The manhunt for the offender is ongoing. Picture: 7News

There were no reports of any person being seriously injured.

The Superintendent labelled the alleged attacker as a “coward”. 

“I would describe this as particularly cowardly, just targeting women walking alone in the early hours from behind,” he said.

Police are also investigating if the same man is responsible for break-ins committed on several homes in the same area two days earlier.

As inquiries continue anyone with information – or any available CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – is urged to contact Parramatta Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If sighted, members of the public are urged to NOT approach the man and contact triple-0 immediately.

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