Rape or sexual assault: what do I do now?

Rape or sexual assault: what do I do now?

POLICE have released images of a man wanted for questioning over the death of a woman whose body was found in a North Carlton park this morning.

While police are yet to identify the body — found by a witness who reported the grim discovery to emergency services about 2.40am — they said they were not ruling out links to a nearby sexual assault on March 28.

Tonight, they released images of a bearded man captured on CCTV in the period before the woman’s body was discovered.

The images bore a resemblance to a computer-generated photo of the alleged sex attacker who struck in March, AAP noted.

Police have also upped patrols the park, and are tonight out in force speaking to joggers and walkers as their investigation into the woman’s death continues.

Meanwhile, the victim of the March sexual assault has told of her terror as she fought for her life when a man grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground on March 28 this year.

“It was the most terrifying experience I have ever had. I felt like I was fighting for my life, in a way,” the 21-year-old American named Jessie told The Herald Sun.

Police said they would have “have an open mind” when considering if the March sexual assault of Jessie is related to the death of the woman, aged in her 30s, whose body was found this morning.

“We don’t know if they’re linked at this stage,” Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said.

The dead woman was found on a popular field in inner Melbourne by a man who is so far only a witness and is helping police with their inquiries.

Police said they could not comment on what the man was doing in the area at that time, or what the woman might have been doing either.

Her body was found between Royal Parade and Princes Park Drive at Carlton North, a popular area for joggers.

Paramedics worked on the woman at the scene, but she was not able to be revived.

Detective Insp Stamper would not comment on whether the dead woman had been sexually assaulted or suffered physical injuries.

Police release CCTV footage and appeal for information following Parkville sexual assault Police release CCTV footage and appeal for information following Parkville sexual assault

The soccer field is close to the University of Melbourne and its adjoining colleges, surrounded by a busy park and running track.

The field is also near Icon Park, the home of the Carlton football club.

Police have urged anyone in the area early this morning who might have seen anything suspicious to come forward “as a priority”.

Homicide Squad Acting Inspector Andrew Stamper said they were also keeping an open mind about connections to a recent sexual assault case.

Detectives have released a computer generated image of a man who they want to speak to in regard to Jessie’s sexual assaulted in Parkville in March.

Jessie was walking along Gatehouse St near the intersection of Bayles Crescent on March 28 when she was grabbed by a man about 2.35am.

Senior Sergeant Brendan Butland told The Herald Sun he had not ruled out a connection between the attack on Jessie and the death of the woman.

“We’re keeping an open mind, but there are no known links (between the two cases),” he said, adding those working on the assault case were consulting with the homicide squad.

Insp Stamper said they were liaising with the Sexual Crimes Squad on that matter.

Local Superintendent David Clayton said police will ramp up their presence in the area to give locals “reassurance” about their safety and security. “It’ll be highly-visible police presence, at all times of the day and night. They’ll be on foot, they’ll be on bicycle and they’ll be in cars,” he said. He urged people to take responsibility for their safety by being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Superintendent David Clayton told people to take responsibility for their safety.

“This is an area of high community activity … so just make sure you have situational awareness, that you’re aware of your surroundings,” he said.

“If you’ve got a mobile phone carry it and if you’ve got any concerns, call police.”

Inspector Stamper said they could not provide any details on the woman’s age, CCTV or any of the circumstances including if there was a weapon used.

“The circumstances are suspicious,” he said.

“There’s a lot of resources being thrown into the investigation.”

The park has been cordoned off with police tape while the investigation continues.

A pair of black shoes were found only metres from the body but it is not yet known if the shoes belonged to the victim or an attacker and police would not comment.

SES volunteers are helping police search around the field for any evidence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000