A stake-wielding man hit a mother carrying her 5-month-old baby in a violent assault and robbery at a Hamlyn Heights footpath on Tuesday, police alleged.
“It’s a very unprovoked, violent attack which obviously had the potential for very serious injuries to the woman and child,” Detective Sergeant Gary Arnold said.
A 31-year-old woman was carrying her baby in a sling across her chest as she walked near the intersection of Drysdale Ave and Hillwood Cl about 3.25pm, when unknown man attacked.
The man appeared from behind some bushes and mumbled something, before hitting the woman with a stake, police alleged.
The woman shielded her baby son as the man allegedly struck her multiple times to her face and legs.
“She was holding her arms up to protect the child,” Det Sgt Gary Arnold said.
The attack only stopped when she dropped her wallet, which the man picked up, before running away south along the track.
The traumatised woman described the man as Caucasian, aged in his 40s and approximately 183cm tall with gaunt facial features.
He was wearing an “oversized” dark blue or grey t-shirt, Det Sgt Arnold said.
The “distraught” woman received hospital treatment for cuts, bruises and abrasions, he said.
Det Sgt Arnold acknowledged the man could have been drug-affected as the victim “described him as incoherent”.
The horrific attack occurred about a “20-or-so minute” walk from the woman’s house, he said.
“It’s a well-worn path. A lot of people walk their dogs, ride bikes, a lot of children ride their bikes there, it’s what you would consider to be a safe area.”
The woman bled from her injuries onto the baby but her son was otherwise unharmed from the attack, Det Sgt Arnold said.
Police were canvassing security footage from nearby premises and were concerned the man could attack again, he said.
Responding to reports the woman flagged down a motorist after the attack, Det Sgt Arnold said there could be dash cam footage related to the incident.
Police appealed for witnesses, or anyone in the area at the time or who spoke to the woman after the attack to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
