Investigators from Tuggerah Lakes Police District are calling on assistance from the public after a woman was critically injured when attacked in her Ourimbah home earlier this month.
Tuggerah Lakes PD Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies, launched a public appeal on July 19 alongside the brother of the victim of the savage attack.
At about 10.20am on Monday, July 3, officers from Tuggerah Lakes attended a unit in Walmsley Rd, Ourimbah, due to concerns for the welfare of a 33-year-old woman.
The woman, Sara-Jane, was found unresponsive with serious injuries and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
A crime scene was established and investigations into the incident have continue under Strike Force Weald.
Several exhibits were seized following a search of the property and are undergoing forensic examination.
Gillies said the woman had sustained serious injuries, believed to have been from blunt force trauma.
“This was a cowardly and savage attack and very confronting for first responders,” he said.
“Due to the nature of the injuries, we have been treating this at the highest end since day one.”
Gillies said investigators are confident that members of the public must know something about the incident.
“There was no forced entry to the unit, so one line of inquiry is that the victim knows the attacker or attackers,” he said.
“It’s important to note that the injuries to Sara-Jane are extremely serious, certainly life changing; however, encouragingly, there has been an improvement in her condition and detectives hope to speak with her soon so she can shed some light on what has occurred.
“In the interim, we need to identify those involved.
“Those who know something in relation to this matter are obliged to pass that information on or risk facing criminal sanctions for some serious criminal offences.”
Sara-Jane’s brother, Jake, joined Supt Gillies in the appeal by sharing a statement about the impact the incident has had on the family.
“No family should have to go through this,” he said.
“Whoever did this to her is still out there.
“We are seeking your help to find this person – or people – who have tried to take my sister’s life.
“We have a close-knit community in Ourimbah, and our family is hoping that the public may have heard or seen something that night or morning.”
“My sister was brutally attacked in her own home and may never recover from her severe injuries.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source:
Tuggerah Lakes Police