A woman in her 80s was raped after an attacker entered her home in Woodroffe near Darwin, Australia – a police investigation is underway to find the man
A manhunt is underway after a woman in her 80s was raped by an attacker who wore flip flops when entering her home.
The incident happened at the woman’s home in Woodroffe near Darwin, Australia, at around 8.50pm on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Northern Territory Police said the man entered the home before assaulting the victim and escaping. He remains on the run as detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit continue investigations.
Police said the man is believed to be of Aboriginal appearance, with a tall and slim build and wavy hair. At the time of the alleged attack, he was reportedly wearing a light-coloured top, dark shorts and flip-flops.
Investigators have been canvassing the surrounding area for CCTV footage and are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist the inquiry.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said she was “absolutely disgusted” by the attack.
“I’m absolutely disgusted by this,” she said. “We need this person to be apprehended and dealt with because this kind of behaviour is not acceptable by our government.”
Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area on Wednesday night to contact authorities.
A statement from the police read: “The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in Woodroffe earlier this week.
“Around 8:50pm on Wednesday, police received a report that a woman was sexually assaulted at her residence on Woodroffe Avenue, Palmerston.
“Investigations now indicate the unknown male offender has allegedly entered through the front door of the property, before sexually assaulting the woman and fleeing the scene.
“Detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit have been investigating and believe the offender is adult male of Aboriginal appearance with a tall, slim build. He is described as having wavy hair and was wearing a light top, dark shorts and thongs. Police have canvased the area for CCTV but are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
