VANCOUVER -- A 22-year-old woman has months of recovery ahead after having her jaw shattered in an early-morning attack in Vancouver.

Vancouver police on Thursday said they are making a public appeal to anyone who may have witnessed something unusual on Oct. 19 in the area around Main Street and Third Avenue.

The woman, who is from Britain, was attacked at 3:30 a.m. as she was walking home wearing headphones and carrying a skateboard.

"We're still trying to figure out the motive," said Vancouver police spokesman Sgt. Randy Fincham. "There was no robbery and no sexual motive."

Police have also made it clear the incident is not related to any of the recent attacks on women in the Greater Vancouver area.

The attacker kicked the young woman into unconsciousness, then fled. "She doesn't remember everything. She was repeatedly kicked in the face and chest while she was on the ground," Fincham said.

The victim woke up from the attack and managed to get a cab ride back to the home where she is staying.

"She is a tourist in Canada for a couple of months," added Fincham. "She really has had significant injuries and has ended up having her jaw wired shut."

Earlier in the evening the woman had met with friends in the downtown area of Vancouver and she was walking home alone when the attack happened. Fincham said alcohol does not appear to be a factor with the victim.

Police have yet to put together a description of the suspect. Fincham said it is unclear if the attacker acted alone.

jcolebourn@theprovince.com