Police investigating after woman, 66, sexually assaulted in suburban park

Townsville Police are investigating a shocking incident which took place just before 6am this morning. A 66-year-old woman was grabbed by an unknown man, as she walked along a pathway in Cranbrook on Wednesday morning, and sexually assaulted.

According to a statement issued by police, the woman was walking along the Ross River near Victor Street when the unidentified male took hold of her and committed sexual assault.

“The woman suffered serious facial injuries and was transported to the Townsville University Hospital for treatment,” a force spokesperson said.

Police responded to the incident and a crime scene has been established at the scene near the river in Cranbook and police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

“Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything suspicious should contact police,” police said, adding that the alleged attacked is described as being of “large build”.

Investigations are ongoing, however the victim was unable to give police a detailed description of her attacker. Senior Sergeant Scot Warrick told the Townsville Bulletin that the area is “pretty popular” for morning exercise and he feels confident that a member of the public may have seen something.

“We have rolled out a full response to this … we are looking for any evidence in relation to this man,” Warrick said. “This is a pretty popular area at this time of the morning for walkers and exercising, there would have been many people here this morning, along with residents along this area.

“I am confident that someone may have seen something or someone suspicious … we need every piece of information.”