Police hunting a man who violently attacked a woman on a Burwood walking track

A WOMAN has described her shocking daylight bashing on a Burwood walking track and says the next person her attacker targets might not be so lucky.

AN OFF-duty nurse left with a fractured nose after being ­viciously bashed in a suburban park fears her attacker will strike again.

Claire Derrick, 51, was ­attacked while walking in ­Burwood on Sunday. She fought to stay conscious amid the stranger’s onslaught, which lasted about a minute ­before two good Samaritans rushed to help her.

Claire Derrick was walking along Gardiners Creek Trail in Burwood when she was attacked. Picture: Jason Edwards

Police have released a facial composite of man they believe may assist with their inquiries. Pic: Supplied

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“He was so vicious and violent,’’ said Ms Derrick, a mother of two.

“He just kept punching my head. He just wanted to bash me. He did not want anything else.”

Ms Derrick was on Gardiners Creek Trail about 4.10pm when she passed the attacker, who was acting erratically and smirked.

Claire Derrick said he attacker just wanted to bash her. Picture: Jason Edwards

She felt uneasy, then he rushed up from behind.

He dragged her to the ground, punching and scratching her face.

“He went for my eyes and he was viciously pulling at my eyes,’’ she said.

“I managed to get my hand up into his eyes so I hope he has scratch marks on his face. All this time I was screaming for help and instinctively I turned my head to protect my face so that he couldn’t stop me screaming.

“I just didn’t want to lose consciousness. I just wanted to keep awake so I could keep yelling.

“It was so violent and random. The next person he gets may not be as lucky.”

An image of the man police wish to speak to. Picture: Jason Edwards

Detective Senior Constable Chris Coyle praised the actions of bystanders who wrestled the offender off Ms Derrick and helped with her injuries, which also included severe bruising and required hospital treatment.

The male good Samaritan chased the offender who fled via Glengarry and Inverness avenues.

“It’s scary to speculate on what could have happened,’’ Sen-Constable Coyle said.

“It’s extremely concerning to us that someone is out there committing such a violent assault with no clear indication of why.

“It’s another reason why we need to catch up with this individual.”

The attacker may be southern European, aged 25-35, 188cm, of muscular build with short black hair. He wore a blue T-shirt, light pants and brown shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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