'Horrendous ordeal': Gold Coast woman attacked while sleeping
A hunt is underway for a man after a woman was violently attacked in her bedroom on the Gold Coast while she slept following an ordeal police are describing as "horrendous".
A Gold Coast community is living in fear as the sex attacker is still currently at large.
Police are describing the shocking attack as random.
"It could have been my house and I feel sick and sorry for that lady, it just makes me feel like I want to cry," said a nearby resident.
The intruder came through a window. Source: 7 News.
Police stated the sleeping woman had been attacked by a man who climbed into her Gold Coast bedroom through a window secured only by a fly screen.
The terrified 33 year-old victim lives alone in her Southport unit.
"I heard some talking and then it went quiet and then I went back to sleep and then I heard bashing, some kind of banging which to me is maybe someone jumping the fence," said a neighbour.
The complex backs on to Smith Street, a main arterial road between the M1 and the Gold Coast Highway.
Police were on scene early to begin investigations. Source: 7 News.
Police have described the assault as 'horrendous'. Source: 7 News.
Police reported that following the horrific ordeal she called authorities to alert them.
A huge search of the area was carried out today by police when they nearby checked bushland and backyards.
Forensic officers spent the day searching for evidence and eventually they took some away for DNA analysis.
"It's very concerning if you've got a young daughter yourself, which we have," said a nearby resident.
Police described the attack as horrendous. Source: 7 News.
It's believed the male offender fled on foot.
The victim was assessed by paramedics today. She's understood to be deeply traumatised by the terrifying event, but hasn't suffered any significant physical injuries.
She was driven away from her unit in a blue forensic suit early this morning and has spent most of the day with detectives going through her harrowing ordeal.
Detectives are searching for a man described as 170cm tall, slimly built and with an olive complexion in connection with the assault at Ashmore on Saturday night.
"Subsequent search has been undertaken involving the dog squad and multiple police units but at this stage the identity of the offender and location is unknown," said Snr Sgt Craig McGrath.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
News break – February 14
