Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are seeking to identify a woman as part of their investigation into an attempted kidnapping in Warrnambool earlier this month.
Investigators have been told the victim was walking home from work on Willow Tree Lane when she was confronted by a woman on Tuesday 7 July about 4.30pm.
The 33-year-old victim first noticed the woman standing next to a white coloured 2016 Hyundai i30, shortly before the confrontation.
As the victim walked past the vehicle she was attacked from behind and pushed half-way into the car.
She was able to fight the woman off and make her way out of the vehicle where she fell to the ground and kicked out at the offender.
The offender took the victims phone and fled the scene driving south on Willow Tree Lane.
Investigators have released a stock image of the vehicle and a computer-generated image of the woman of interest in the hope it will assist the investigation.
The woman is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and is thought to be aged between 20 and 30-years-old with blonde curly hair. She was wearing a black coloured hoodie pulled over her head and bright pink hiking pants.
Detectives are also appealing for dashcam vision from motorists who might have been in the street or the surrounding area at the time.
Investigators have established the vehicle was a hire-car and was driven along Koroit, Hyland and Giffen streets and Raglan Parade in the hour following the incident.
Motorists are urged to check their vision and come forward to police.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Sergeant Joe Fisher:
"We've done a lot of work and progressed our investigation however we're now at a stage where we need assistance from the public.
"This was a targeted incident in which we believe the woman involved was tasked by a man linked to the victim.
"As the investigation is ongoing, I'm not able to go into too much detail about the man other than to say we believe we know who he is and he appears to be off-shore.
"Our aim today is to identify the woman involved and we believe someone will know who she is.
"The victim was very brave and I thank goodness she was able to get away. Luckily she was not seriously injured.
"I'm urging anyone with information to give us a call or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
