Epping Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are appealing for public assistance after a woman was sexually assaulted at a Preston shopping centre last week, Victoria Police say.
The incident happened at the Plenty Road shopping centre on Friday, 7 October at midday (12pm).
The victim, a 38-year-old Reservoir woman, told investigators that as she walked into the centre she noticed a man walking very closely behind her.
As she quickened her step, the man reached out and grabbed her on the bottom.
The victim turned and confronted the man, asking him what he thought he was doing and then continued on her way.
A short time later the woman was in an aisle in the centre’s supermarket when the man approached her a second time.
The man reached out and grabbed the victim on the breast, causing her to use her shopping basket to push him away.
The offender then struck the woman over the head with a bottle he was carrying.
The victim called out to staff and the man left the store, flagging down a car and being driven away.
The man is described as Caucasian, aged between 40- 50 years of age, with missing teeth and a receding hairline.
Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man they believe can assist with their enquiry.
Anyone who has information about the incident or the man’s identity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
