Police are investigating after a woman was assaulted whilst riding her bicycle in Wangaratta yesterday (21 August), Victoria Police say.
Investigators have been told the woman was riding along a bike path in parkland near Vincent Road about 3pm.
An unknown man approached the victim and grabbed her around the neck, pushing her to the ground while demanding cigarettes and money from her.
He has punched the victim in the face and chest multiple times while she was on the ground.
The man ran from the scene empty handed after the victim began screaming for assistance.
The victim received swelling and bruising to her face and chest and was conveyed to hospital for treatment.
The offender is described as Caucasian appearance, between 160-170cm tall, of thin to medium build, brown coloured hair which was short on sides and longer on top, no facial hair and blue coloured eyes.
He was wearing plain dark blue hoody jacket, dark blue skinny fitting trousers and possibly black coloured shoes
Police are currently working with the victim to compile a face fit image to assist with identifying an offender.
Police are also keen to hear from a man who they believe was in the area at the time and may have seen the offender on the bike path prior to the assault.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
