Woman attacked while walking along path in broad daylight

Halifax police say an assault on a 61-year-old woman Monday afternoon was “out of the ordinary.”

The victim was walking on a path between Percy Street and Joseph Howe Drive around 2 p.m. when she was attacked by three young people.

The assault was interrupted when a man walking along the same path approached them as the assault was underway. No weapons were used and nothing was stolen from the victim.

Police were not called right away. They were contacted after the woman was taken to hospital for her injuries. Police said her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The investigation is still ongoing, but in an interview, Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Const. Dianne Penfound said based on the evidence it doesn’t appear the woman knew her attackers.

A limited description of the three suspects has been given. The two men were white and both wearing all black. The woman was described as being darker skinned. They are all believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25.

“It was the middle of the afternoon. It’s out of the ordinary,” said Penfound of the assault in broad daylight.

The popular pathway is located near the 3500 block of Percy Street between Percy and Joseph Howe Drive.

Used by many walkers, Penfound said they don’t believe the path is unsafe. But she said anyone concerned by the assault is encouraged to walk in open spaces and to walk with others.