Mt Coot-tha’s latest attack prompts warning from running and hiking groups

Runners and hikers are urging others to not run alone after two women were attacked at the popular Mt Coot-tha in separate incidents.

Police on horseback and trail bikes will patrol Mount Coot-tha walking tracks after a woman reported being attacked from behind and pushed to the ground by an unknown man on Friday.

The attack came to light after former NRL player Arana Taumata posted an Instagram story describing how he’d come upon the shaken and dazed woman moments after the daylight attack.

“She was on the ground just dazed and I was like sh*t are you all right? I thought she slipped over,” he said in a warning to other runners.

“She was saying ‘no someone pushed me, someone had me on the ground’.”

In a second post, he said: “I don’t really know what else to do other than spread the word. You don’t know what this guy’s got planned.”

Shocked hikers Olivia Phillips and Joe George after the attempted sexual assault on the Cockatoo Trail, Mt Coot-tha. Picture: Liam Kidston

A police spokesman said the 30-year-old woman was on the Maculata walking track near the Bardon Trail at Mount Coot-tha about 12.20pm on Friday when an unknown male assaulted her.

“It is understood the woman sustained minor physical injuries,” he said.

The attack comes just weeks after another woman reported that she had escaped an alleged sexual assault on Mount Coot-tha’s Cockatoo Trail about 10.15am on May 13.

Police have said they do not believe the two reports were connected.

The Courier-Mail understands that the woman involved in the May 13 incident has since withdrawn her complaint.

Friday’s attack prompted running and hiking groups to warn their members about visiting the popular trails alone.

Ultra runner and personal trainer Katie Dall posted of her shock and anger to her Club KT followers.

Council car parked near Cockatoo Trail, Mt Coot-Tha. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Once again, the place we seek for solitude has become a target for a predator,” she wrote.

“I can’t stop thinking about what could have happened to this woman if Arana hadn’t been there.

“The police statement indicating that they don’t believe this attack is linked to the previous one is even more frightening. Do we have copycats now? Please stay vigilant, run in groups, and report anything suspicious. You could be saving a life.”

Other runners posted about their fear.

“This is my local. We (the neighbourhood) runners and walkers are angry,” said one.

“We want to feel safe taking to the paths.”

The man who attacked the runner on Friday was described as 170cm tall with dark brown hair. He was wearing long black pants and a dark long-sleeve top.

Police have confirmed they are conducting proactive patrols in the area with an increased presence including trail bikes, mounted units and a mobile police beat.

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have information about the June 7 incident to come forward.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Mt Coot-tha’s latest attack prompts warning from running and hiking groups