Police believe she was taken in a vehicle from Carlton to the vicinity of her home in the northern suburbs. During the trip, it is believed she was the victim of a "serious sexual assault". Two of the four men who police believe could be witnesses. Credit:Victoria Police "Along that journey she was sexually assaulted by one or more persons. We don't know at this stage how many," Detective Inspector Wilson said. The woman arrived home about 5.30am. Her partner then took her to hospital, where she contacted police. Police have released CCTV footage of a silver ute and three men who pulled up and got out of the vehicle at the Carlton intersection before talking with the victim for about two minutes.

They are being treated as witnesses. The silver ute (circled) that was in the area at the time the woman was taken. Credit:Victoria Police The silver ute of interest to police. Credit:Victoria Police The woman is believed to have been sitting on the street alone after her friend crossed the road to get food. "She was approached by three males who had gotten out of a ute, which we have photographs of, and went and spoke to the victim ... [we want to know] what they saw, what attracted them to our victim and what happened while they were there," Detective Inspector Steve Wilson said.

Police believe they drove away and the victim was not in their car. Those men are being treated as witnesses and police are urging them to come forward with any information. "They may have unwittingly spoken to an offender or they may have seen someone else in the area," Detective Inspector Wilson said. "We are keen to find out what made them stop where they did and go back to the victim, what they saw that caused them to go back." An image of a fourth person, who is also believed to have had contact with the woman, has also been released. Police say he is also being treated as a witness.

Detective Inspector Steve Wilson speaks to the media on Thursday. Credit:Eddie Jim Detective Inspector Wilson said police could not say whether the woman had been forced into the car against her will as she did not remember anything. "She can't help us with that; we are trying to work on and understand that ourselves. "It's fair to say she's struggling because she doesn't know what happened ... it's very difficult for victims who do not know what happened to them." When asked why the woman could not remember the night, he said: “She had a good night out. People are entitled to have a good night out.”

"There are things she doesn’t remember, things that she does. She acknowledges she's been drinking. Anyone is entitled to go out and have a drink. Our focus is on the offenders, not our victim. She is entitled like anyone to be out there. We are focusing on the male offenders who are involved in this," he said. Acting Commander Lisa Hardeman said police would be increasing patrols in the area. ''We want to reassure the community they can continue to live their lives and enjoy this great city and all it has to offer. And it's everybody's right to do this safely ..." she said. Acting Commander Lisa Hardeman. Credit:Eddie Jim "Units may be marked or unmarked so you may not always see us, but be assured we have increased our patrols in and around the Carlton area."

The victim was wearing a long cardigan, black top and skirt, while her friend was wearing a black leather jacket and pink top. The assault occurred just days after Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon was killed as she walked home through Princes Park in nearby Carlton North. Jaymes Todd, 19, has been charged with her rape and murder and has been remanded in custody. Police do not believe this latest attack is related to an earlier assault on a woman in nearby Parkville in March. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.