POLICE have been stopping and questioning anyone seen loitering on the Armidale bike track as they search for a man who indecently assaulted a woman last weekend.
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New England police have stepped up patrols of the Creeklands and bike track area in a bid to allay community concerns after Sunday night’s assault.
“Locals would have noticed police have been stopping and speaking with any individuals loitering in that bike track area,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said on Thursday.
”Anyone that appears to be loitering in that area, have been stopped.”
The investigation into the assault has ramped up with investigators following several leads after reviewing nearby CCTV.
“Police are trying to maintain extra patrols and presence in and around that area and the bike track,” Detective Inspector Joy said.
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“We are doing everything we can to progress the investigation, and following a number of lines of inquiry.
“But we would again appeal for anyone who has any information on the indecent assault of a woman last Sunday to come forward and speak with investigators.”
The 19-year-old woman was tackled from behind about 5.30pm on Sunday, as she walked along the city’s bike path with a pet, between Butler and O’Dell Streets.
The woman cried out for help during the attack and children playing in a nearby yard head the calls and caught the offender’s attention, police said, before he fled the scene.
Police said the offender is described as being about 17-years-old, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance, about 175cm tall with short black wavy hair. He was last seen wearing black track pants and a black coloured jumper, and running towards the Donnelly Street overpass.
Anyone with information on the assault or who witnessed a man acting suspiciously is urged to contact Armidale police on 6771 0699.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
