Coffs Harbour, located on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, has seen a recent increase in violent assaults, prompting concern and heightened police presence in the area. Three attacks in seven days have left residents on edge, with the latest incident involving a 45-year-old woman who was assaulted while on an early morning walk along a popular track in the city.
Local police are actively searching for a male suspect believed to have targeted the woman during a previous morning walk. Despite the assault being unsettling, authorities reassured the public that it is not linked to the recent murder of a young surfer in the area. The increase in police patrols is aimed at boosting public confidence and deterring further crimes in the region.
The 45-year-old woman was found unconscious on the walking track hours after the assault, highlighting concerns about community safety and the need for increased vigilance. Police have emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities or individuals to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty of the Coffs Clarence Police District expressed alarm at the extent of the assault on the woman and the fact that she remained unaided for an extended period of time. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The victim was attacked while pausing to watch the sunrise near Coffs Creek, an idyllic spot that sadly turned into a scene of violence. Detectives are exploring all possibilities, including whether the victim and the perpetrator had any prior interaction before the attack took place.
Following the assault, the woman was treated at Coffs Harbour Hospital and has since been discharged. The incident has added to the unease in the community, especially in the wake of the unsolved murder of the young surfer in the same vicinity.
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone who was in the area during the morning of the attack to contact authorities with any relevant information. The safety of residents and visitors to Coffs Harbour remains a top priority for law enforcement officials as they work to address and prevent acts of violence in the region.