WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

NO-ONE has ever been charged over the brutal sexual assault of new mother Chloe* when then 22-year-old was walking home after a night out with friends.

On June 30, 2013, the young woman’s life changed: “Every time I look in the mirror there’s a scar on my face there as a reminder of what happened,” she said.

Chloe was walking along King Street into Chetwynd Street, North Melbourne when she noticed a man behind her.

“I crossed the road to go over to my street and I noticed he was behind me again,” she said.

As she crossed over to Brown Lane, the man grabbed her in a “bear-hug” and dragged her about five metres down the lane, punching her in the head several times and knocking her to the ground. He kicked her head before sexually assaulting her.

“After that all I remember is being hit in the side of the head.”

She bravely chose to speak about the violent attack for the first time, in an emotional interview, explaining how it “destroyed” her life.

“I was a new mum,” she said, having only given birth to a son seven weeks prior to the attack.

“I couldn’t be the mum I wanted to be because I was dealing with this.”

Police have also re-released CCTV which shows the man walking along King Street.

This is Chloe and she has bravely shared her story in the hope that someone may recognise the offender who raped and assaulted her. We urge you to watch this and please share to bring Chloe justice. pic.twitter.com/nWSNkhRwSQ — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) August 18, 2018

Chloe said after the attack she self medicated with alcohol and suffered insomnia.

“As much as it damaged me I think it damaged me and my son’s relationship because I was trying to deal with what was happening to me.”

“I would never wish on anyone to go through what I’ve gone through, ever.

“No-one deserves that, absolutely no-one.”

The young woman said people should be allowed to walk where they want to walk and not have to fear for their life.

“Or fear that someone’s going to follow you and do something like that to you.”

media_camera PHOTO: The man was captured on CCTV on King Street in Melbourne's CBD. Source: Twitter/ Victoria Police

Investigators have now released shocking images of the brutal injuries Chloe suffered which were so severe the detective who responded didn’t recognise her at hospital, the Herald Sunreported.

She has chosen to speak out about her ordeal to help the investigation.

“It would give me justice but it would help make me feel relieved that this person can’t do this to anyone else.

Police have zeroed in on a suspect, describing the man as either of Asian or Indian subcontinental appearance, of a medium build with short, black cropped hair and unshaven with stubble.

The man, who was last seen running south down Chetwynd Street, was wearing a black top, blue jeans and an open leather jacket.

media_camera A shocking image shows a then-22-year-old ‘Chloe’ following a vicious sexual assault in North Melbourne on 30 June, 2013. Source: AAP Image/Victoria Police

media_camera 'Chloe' is pleading for public help to find her attacker as police announce a $500,000 reward. Picture: Victoria Police

Detective Inspector Steve Wilson of the Sexual Crime Squad saidinvestigators hope the $500,000 reward would help lead to a conviction.

“We have a victim who was brutally assaulted, both sexually and physically, and is probably very lucky to still be here with us today.”

“You can see from the pictures the attack on Chloe was brutal,” Insp Wilson told the Herald Sun.

“These are some of the worst injuries we’ve seen from a victim of sexual assault. It’s a very extreme case.”

Insp Wilson said investigators absolutely believe there are people out there who know who is responsible for this assault.

media_camera ‘Chloe’ has a permanent facial scar despite undergoing plastic surgery.

“I’d ask people to look at the photos we’re releasing, listen to what she is saying about the impact it’s had on her — then ask themselves if they’re comfortable living with the information they might have about who is responsible for this crime.”

“We are desperate to give this victim some closure and ensure she receives the justice she fully deserves.”

He praised Chloe’s courage and bravery on appearing before the cameras and giving a true insight into the impact it has had on her.

“It was a truly brutal attack on an innocent girl walking home and she deserves justice,” he told the Herald Sun.

A reward of up to $500,000 will be paid at the discretion of the chief commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the sexual assault, a police statement read.

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

*Chloe’s name has been changed.

Rape or sexual assault: what do I do now? Rape or sexual assault: what do I do now?

Originally published as Images of ‘brutal’ sex attack