Melbourne: Images released of man Victoria Police want to speak to about ‘extremely concerning’ sex attack on female jogger at Jacana

A woman was thrown to the ground and sexually assaulted while she was jogging, and police are searching for the perpetrator in the ‘extremely disturbing’ attack.

The woman heard someone approaching behind her as she jogged under a bridge at Jacana Reserve, near Johnstone Street in Jacana, Melbourne’s north, on August 14, police said.

She was then thrown to the ground by the man and sexually assaulted.

Detective Inspector Mark Burnett, of Victoria’s Sexual Offences Unit, praised the woman’s response to her attacker.

“She is a very brave woman and we were particularly impressed by the way she assisted the police with our investigation and gave a very accurate statement,” he told reporters on Friday.

“And the way she was able to fight and run away from the scene.”

The woman managed to escape and ran to a parking lot, where two bystanders called the police.

She was taken to hospital with minor injuries, including scrapes and pain in her shoulders.

Police released the footage as they continue their search for the female jogger’s attacker

The air force and the dog brigade searched the area, but could not find the man.

Police have released images of an unknown man wearing a dark sweater and pants. Police want to speak to him as part of the investigation.

Detective Burnett said police are focusing on the area around Jacana, but they remain “open-minded” about where he might be.

Police are focusing their search on Jacana and have reviewed CCTV footage from the area

“This is extremely concerning behaviour for Victoria Police and indeed the wider community,” he said.

‘If the perpetrator sees this, we ask him/her to report it and contact the police.’

Researchers have already carried out camera surveillance in the area.

Anyone with information about the attack or who recognises the perpetrator is urged to contact Victoria Police.