Parkville sex attacker hunted by police
A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted in Parkville weeks before a woman’s body was found nearby has spoken of her terror during the early-morning attack.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DETECTIVES have released a computer generated image of a man who they want to speak to after a woman was sexually assaulted in Parkville.
A woman, aged in her 20s, was walking along Gatehouse St near the intersection of Bayles Crescent on March 28 when she was grabbed by a man about 2.35am.
OTHER NEWS:
TAXI DRIVER SHOWERS SCHOOLKIDS WITH FREEBIES FOR SEX
TARMAC SECURITY SCARE MAN FAILS TO FRONT COURT
The man grabbed Jessie, 21, in a bear hug from behind and sexually assaulted her.
Jessie screamed and the man tried to cover her mouth but several nearby residents heard her and he ran off.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Butland called for witnesses to come forward.
He said there was no evidence to link the sex attack with the discovery of a woman’s body in the early hours of this morning.
“We are keeping an open mind but there are no known links,” he said. “It was a vicious attack.
“She had been out socialising with friends and was returning home. Nobody expects this type of crime to occur.
“Jessie was fantastic in being able to fight this male off. He was muscular and powerful.
“It is disgraceful type of behaviour.”
Speaking about the attack, Jessie said: “It caught me really off guard and that’s the scariest part.
“He came up behind me, tackled me to the ground … he was trying to keep me from screaming — I was sore on my neck and face and chest.
“He was doing everything in his power to get me to stop screaming. It happened really fast.”
Jessie ran to a nearby property, where the residents helped her and called police.
A search of the area was carried out, with a police helicopter involved, but the man was never found.
Police have released CCTV of a man walking along the street as their investigation continues.
Detectives have since made a number of inquiries in relation to possible persons of interest but have ruled out a number of people.
The suspect is described as being aged between 25 and 35 years of age with olive skin, a muscular build and “average height”.
He was wearing a blue or grey hooded jumper, grey jeans and runners with white soles.
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a man fitting that description in the area on the night of who has any knowledge of the incident.
An information caravan will be set up on Gatehouse St between 10am and 2pm today.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au