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Melbourne student sexually assaulted outside State Library

An innocent student was sitting outside Melbourne’s State Library when a man struck up a friendly conversation, before publicly sexually assaulting her. Now police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to.

Detectives have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. Picture: Victoria police
Detectives have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. Picture: Victoria police

A man is wanted over a “disgusting” sexual assault which occurred outside a Melbourne library.

Melbourne woman Sarah, 20, was waiting outside the State Library of Victoria on Swanston St on July 27 when an unknown male offender approached her.

The man struck up a conversation with the victim about 6.30pm for around half an hour before he asked to give her a massage and sexually assaulted the university student.

“We chatted for a bit, he asked me if I wanted a massage but then proceeded to grope me and it was super uncomfortable,” Sarah said.

“I feel pretty violated and taken advantage of, I try to be nice to people and for that to be taken advantage of is pretty rough.”

Victoria Police Constable Cass Gray said what the man had done was “disgusting”.

Man wanted over Melbourne library assault

“The male made himself known as being very friendly, he was very confident in his nature, he built the trust of the victim and then proceeded to sexually assault her,” she said.

“What he has done is disgusting, it is not something any young person should have to put up with.”

The man said he needed to catch a train from Melbourne Central train station and fled the scene by crossing Swanston Street.

The man is Indian subcontinental in appearance and is said to be aged in his mid-20s to early 30s with a solid build, dark curly hair and dark coloured eyes.

The man police want to speak with was wearing a red hooded jumper, dark pants and light-coloured sneakers.

It is not known if the man was local or a tourist.

Victim Sarah was sexually assaulted at the State Library of Victoria. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross
Victim Sarah was sexually assaulted at the State Library of Victoria. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

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Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation and urge the man to come forward.

“There would have been a lot of people around, we are sure there are witnesses out there that would have seen this man or even the incident,” Constable Gray said.

“Hand yourself in.”

Sarah said she didn’t want this to happen to anyone else.

“I don’t want anyone else to be taken advantage of the way I was,” she said.

“I feel like I am always on guard.”

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

brianna.travers@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/melbourne-student-sexually-assaulted-outside-state-library/news-story/814884b318972d47d2f3b50c5d6ea5c4