TASMANIA Police’s entire Launceston Criminal Investigation Branch is working to find a man who sexually assaulted a woman in her 70s in West Launceston this week.
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The woman was attacked by a slim man of olive or dark complexion on Wednesday about 1.40am.
A description provided to police suggests that the man was wearing a duffle-type hooded top and light-coloured jeans.
While police do not yet have a suspect, Detective Inspector John King said they were working tirelessly to find the person responsible for the ‘‘very unusual’’ crime.
‘‘This is not something the community of Tasmania should expect,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s disturbing for us and it should be disturbing for the community. Launceston CIB has its entire office working on this crime.’’
Police have not released the woman’s exact age or the street where she lives, in an effort to protect her identity.
Police said the woman was recovering with friends and had been given support by emergency services.
‘‘[It’s] very unusual for people to enter a home and then assault someone, and even more unusual for a sexual assault,’’ Detective Inspector King said.
He said CCTV footage from businesses and homes in Launceston might assist in the investigation.
■ Police have urged anyone who sees a man fitting the description in the West Launceston area to call Launceston police on 131444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police have also asked victims of sexual assault not to hesitate before contacting them.
