Woman fights off attacker on rail trail

POLICE are investigating reports a young woman was attacked on the Bellarine Rail Trail on Wednesday night.

“I was walking along the rail trail in Leopold in pitch black and out of nowhere a man came in the bushes and grabbed me,” the woman said, sharing details of her ordeal on social media.

“I had to fight for my life and had to hit and fight.”

Bellarine Sergeant Grant Langmaid said police were investigating reports a young employee of nearby Leopold Kmart was attacked while walking home along the popular track about 7.30pm.

He said police did not have a suspect for the attack.

“This is an active police investigation, and as such is being treated very seriously,” Sgt Langmaid said.

It is understood employees of Leopold Kmart have been warned by management not to walk to their cars alone at night, with some team members escorted to cars.

The woman urged others to not walk alone at night and to ensure they looked after their friends.

“I literally told myself that I was going to die and my life was ended,” she said.

“You would think that Leopold is a safe area, but it can happen anywhere at any time.”

News of the incident circu- 1 Make a break from horse’s

capers 2 Distance across, with top dressing Points to my opponent 3 lated on social media, with one post claiming there had been multiple accounts of a “man trying to abduct individuals” from around the Leopold area.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about something like that,” Sgt Langmaid said.

The 35km trail links South Geelong to Queenscliff following the historical Geelong– Queenscliff railway line.

Anyone with information on the attack can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.

“I literally told myself that I was going to die and my life was ended.” THE YOUNG WOMAN WHO REPORTED BEING ATTACKED ON THE BELLARINE RAIL TRAIL