Woman was getting into bed when masked men broke in and sexually assaulted her: Police

Residents of a regional town have been urged to keep their homes locked up after a woman was allegedly knocked unconscious and raped by two masked men in her kitchen.

A woman was getting ready for bed when she went to investigate a noise in her Hunter Valley kitchen only to allegedly be confronted by two masked men, who knocked her unconscious and raped her.

The alleged attack has left locals “frightened” and led Singleton Mayor Sue Moore to urge residents to keep “their properties locked”, as police continue their manhunt for the attackers.

NSW Police have launched a Strike Force to lead the search for the two attackers who allegedly forced their way into the woman’s home at Singleton shortly after midnight on Thursday, April 21.

Police sources told The Daily Telegraph early investigations indicate the men – who were allegedly wearing gloves and face masks, and wielding a knife – are not believed to have been known to the woman.

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said police were committed to investigating sexual assaults and supporting victims who come forward.

The woman was allegedly attacked on a quiet street in Singleton, by masked home invaders. Picture: Google

“An extensive canvas has been conducted in the Singleton area, and strike force investigators continue to work with local police to obtain and review all forensic evidence gathered during the initial stages to identify those responsible.,” she said.

Detectives are now trying to determine if the alleged sexual attack was targeted, or opportunistic after the break in.

Female residents living nearby have been left frightened and anxious. Picture: Google

Strike Force Currikee has been established with investigators from the child abuse and sex crime squad and Hunter Valley police district.

Officers spent the weekend on the ground in Singleton taking statements from locals, canvassing the area for clues and gathering CCTV.

Longtime Singleton resident Denise Hedges who lives near where the alleged attack happened admitted it had left her “anxious”.

“It‘s frightening, it’s got my daughter frightened, I live not far away from where it happened,” Ms Hedges said.

“I’ve lived in Singleton all my life … it makes you quite anxious (hearing about something like) that.

“I always keep my house locked front and back, even during the day. I don’t get scared very much, but if I heard a noise outside or something now it makes you a bit frightened, especially at my age – I’m 66.”

Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore urged local women to take extra precautions, saying such incidents are not something that usually happen in the area.

“We are very alarmed, disappointed that something like this would happen in Singleton,” Mayor Moore said.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore says the alleged attack is unusual for the area. Picture: Supplied

“We’re cautioning people to make sure they’ve got their properties locked and made themselves as safe as possible until the offenders are captured.

“It’s very sobering that it would happen in our community. These are usually things that would happen in Sydney.

“Thoughts go out to the lady involved and what she’s going through.”

Councillor Val Scott said she believed women “need to respond the way I do – I keep my screen door locked at all times”.

Upon regaining consciousness after the men fled the woman rang triple-0, with Hunter Valley police setting up a crime scene and beginning their investigation.

The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. It is understood she is yet to give a formal statement.

John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where the victim was conveyed for treatment. Picture: Peter Lorimer

CWA Singleton Branch executive and former councillor Ruth Rogers said the town needed a police station that was manned all day and all night.

“You can lock your house up as much as you want, if they want to get in mate they well and truly will,” she said.

“We need to have faith in our police force that when something happens to us they will come straight away.

“It’s not just elderly ladies who are vulnerable, we have vehicles being taken from houses and burnt out for the fun of it … and you combat it with more police on the beat.”

Police have pleaded for the public for information on the two men and whether any residents witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during that evening or in the days prior.

One of the men has been described as being of large build, while the other is of thin build.