Police hunting for man behind terrifying assault of woman riding her bike on Moonee Ponds Creek Trail in Pascoe Vale

A woman was placed in a headlock and threatened by a random man while riding her bike on a popular trail in Melbourne’s north earlier this month.

The 39-year-old was cycling along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail when she stopped at Herbert Reserve in Pascoe Vale for a rest about 4pm on October 13.

While she was taking a breather, a random man approached and started talking to her, police said.

The woman attempted to leave but the man tried to hug her, but the victim instead offered him a handshake.

The man then took her hand and pulled her into a headlock, threatening her not to scream.

However, the woman was able to free herself and get back to her bike before riding home.

She was not physically injured in the incident.

Police are hunting for the alleged offender who was last seen walking on the creek path toward a construction area at the end of Main St.

He is described as 175cm tall with a medium to large build and short-cropped black hair with a white spot behind his right ear.

“He was wearing a khaki green T-shirt with a white graphic on front, black knee-length shorts with white thread and sky-blue Nike running shoes with white soles,” Victoria Police said.

Computer-generated images of the man have been released.

Anyone who recognises him or has any information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.