Police in Melbourne are looking for a Middle Eastern man who bashed a female cyclist in a shocking unprovoked attack in broad daylight.
The 33-year-old woman was riding along a bike track in Glenroy at about 11.20am on Saturday December 14 when an unknown male stood in the middle of the path, jumping up and down and waving his arms, Victoria Police said.
But when she swerved around him he pushed her off his bike and kicked her several times after she fell to the ground, before chasing her and continuing to assault her as she tried to run away, police said.
The cyclist, from Fawkner, eventually managed to run to a main road and contacted emergency services. She was taken to hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Merri-Bek Crime Investigation Unit detectives on Tuesday released a facial composite of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
“The male is perceived to be of Middle Eastern appearance, aged 40-50-years old with short dark facial hair, thin dark hair, 162cm tall and a medium build,” police said.
“He was wearing black pants and shirt, the top had black and purple shapes or a pattern on the front.
“He was also wearing a canvas cross body bag.”
Detective Senior Constable Ben Roberts said the victim was terrified by the assault.
“To my understanding she’s still very shaken up, I know she’s got the support of her family with her and just still shaken up,” he said.
“It is very concerning … for anyone just riding a bike, just going around their daily business or exercising, seeing family … its very unprovoked.
The bike was not stolen, and police do not believe the attack was sexually motivated.
Header image: Left, a facial composite of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. Right, CCTV footage of the woman asking for help after escaping the attack (Victoria Police)
