‘Don’t exercise alone’: Police issue warning after two women attacked in broad daylight in Mackay

Two women have been violently sexually assaulted in Queensland‘s north, prompting police to request people not to exercise alone.

A 53-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man while swimming at Town Beach adjacent to Iluka Park in Mackay on February 3.

The man reportedly attacked the woman while she was in the water before assaulting her on the beach.

About two weeks later, a 27-year-old woman was on the Bluewater Trail area near Iluka Park when she was also attacked by an unknown man. It’s understood she was wearing headphones at the time.

Detective inspector Emma Novosel said the women were violently attacked from behind before being sexually assaulted, both while using the park and beach area during daylight hours on a weekday.

Novosel said there is a limited description of the offender involved in the attacks, however police are investigating if the incidents are linked.

“The assaults have occurred in close proximity to each other at the same time of day,” Novosel said.

“Both victims in this case have been approached from behind by their attacker. And the traumatic nature of these attacks, it’s sometimes difficult for victims to recall those sort of details.

“At this time, we’re working with these victims to try and ascertain a better description of the offender.”

The women were both taken to hospital for physical and psychological treatment.

Police are calling for anyone with information or CCTV footage related to these attacks, and anyone who may have encountered a similar situation to come forward.

“So as you can imagine, these women have been subject to a violent sexual assault. The nature of these assaults can be quite traumatising on victims and I want to commend the courage of these women in coming forward,” she said.

“I would encourage anyone who may be in the same situation as these two women to come forward and report the matter to police so we can also assist them in their recovery and holding this perpetrator to account.”

Police have ramped up patrols of the area to “ensure everyone is safe”, and are urging locals to take “basic security precautions” when they head out.

“If possible, make sure that someone knows where you’re going. If possible, don’t exercise alone,” Novosel said.

“And if you choose to wear headphones or over earphones while you’re exercising, make sure that the volume in those headphones is at a level so you can be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you.”

Investigations remain ongoing.

Several hours south in Rockhampton, a Victorian man was charged with the alleged rape and attempted murder of a 27-year-old woman in January.

The woman was confronted by the unknown man while she was running near Yeppen Lagoon.