POLICE are hunting for a cowardly gang who slashed a woman in the face and neck with a box cutter after stealing her mobile phone early on Wednesday.

The random attack left the woman, 34, in a critical condition.

Emergency surgeons operated on her for more than seven hours.

She was set upon by two males and a female of African appearance as she rode her bike along Harker St, North Melbourne, about 2.30am.

The woman’s injuries were so horrific they shocked hardened police.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Gerard Whelan said it appeared she had been attacked with an extremely sharp weapon, possibly a box cutter.

“She’s been stabbed, slashed in the neck, face, arm, chest,” Sen-Det Whelan said. “It’s absolutely horrific.”

media_camera A female cyclist was rushed to hospital after an early morning attack. Picture: Seven News

After the trio approached the woman, one of the males produced a weapon and demanded her bike and belongings. She was then attacked.

Bleeding profusely, the victim bravely managed to ride her bike about 50m and then walked to Flemington Rd, where she flagged down a passer-by who phoned 000.

The victim, who it is believed was riding home, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Her condition on Wednesday night had improved to stable.

media_camera Where the woman was slashed by three thugs. Picture: Tony Gough

Sen-Det Whelan said: “It really, really is hard to process how someone could do that to another person.”

“I struggle to process how someone could inflict such horrific injuries to someone for the sake of just taking someone’s phone or even a bike,” Sen-Det Whelan said.

“The poor young girl. She will suffer some physical injuries, and I’ve got no doubt in my mind that she will have some emotional trauma to deal with also, sadly,” he said.

“She was wearing a bike helmet, riding her bike, doing all the right things, and just going about her business,” Sen-Det Whelan said.

“It’s just a random unprovoked attack. Words just fail.”

Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives will scour local CCTV and appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

Police on Wednesday night had not yet had an opportunity to speak with the victim to find out what she remembered about the attack.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

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