In an eye-opening incident that highlights the loyalty of dogs towards humans, a pack of dogs emerged as unlikely heroes after chasing away a man who allegedly tried to sexually assault two women while they were walking near an oval in Melbourne’s south-east.
Victoria Police are investigating the incident, which occurred in broad daylight at about 11:30am on Tuesday near Gardiners Creek Trail in Kooyong, close to the Monash Freeway.
The two women, aged 67 and 39, were walking a group of eight dogs when they were allegedly attacked by the sexual predator. Both women are believed to be professional dog walkers from Melbourne.
They immediately reacted by releasing the dogs they were walking. The animals then charged at the alleged attacker, forcing him to flee from the scene.
Dramatic footage recorded during the incident clearly shows six dogs running after the man as he fled towards a tunnel near the Monash Freeway. Interestingly, one of the smaller dogs grabbed the man’s clothing and tore his pants. Despite being chased by the dogs, the alleged offender managed to escape.
Victoria Police have launched a detailed investigation, with detectives from the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team leading the inquiry.
Police have released a facial composite image of the suspect and are seeking the public’s assistance to identify him.
According to initial inquiries, the man is described as being of African appearance, wearing black track pants, a grey hooded jumper, a black face covering, white socks and slides, and carrying a large blue backpack.
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the area before or after the alleged attack, to come forward. Police are particularly interested in speaking with people who were near the crime scene around the time of the incident.
The good news is that both women are recovering well and neither suffered serious physical injuries. However, the terrifying encounter has raised fresh concerns among women using Melbourne’s popular walking trails.
Police have renewed their appeal for anyone with information that could help identify the alleged offender to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.
