Police search for man who assaulted a young woman at a retirement village
A young woman has been left “heavily traumatised” after a trespasser brutally attacked her at an Aspendale Gardens retirement village.
South East
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A young woman has been left “heavily traumatised” after she was brutally attacked by a trespasser at a retirement village in Melbourne’s southeast.
The alleged assault left the 27-year-old female staff member of the Aspendale Gardens retirement village with severe injuries, including scratches and “significant bruising” to her face and upper body.
Police have since released photos of a man they want to speak to in relation to the incident.
Detective Sergeant Simon Watts said police “desperately urge anyone with information to come forward.”
“This is a very confronting attack, it’s terrible,” he said.
“This is a young girl going to work. Everyone deserves to work in a safe and respectful place.”
CCTV footage showed the man entering the Wells Rd village at 7.30am on Thursday, July 6.
He was then seen by the victim walking upstairs to what has been described as a “bin room”.
The victim followed him, before asking him who he was and why he was there, before he suddenly attacked her.
“At this point, he grabbed her by the arms and started punching her numerous times to the face and the upper body,” Sgt Watts said.
“She’s been left with significant bruising and scratches.”
“She’s heavily traumatised. People expect to go to work and come home safely.”
The attack lasted just moments, before the man fled through the Wells Rd exit.
The man was described as Asian, aged in his late 20s and spoke with an accent.
Detective Sergeant Watts has urged anyone with information or more CCTV to come forward.
“It’s unclear what his intentions were, but I’d like to think this was a very opportunistic attack,” he said.
“We really are desperate for anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous online report here.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
