A 20-year-old German tourist is in a north Queensland hospital after a violent sexual assault that caused the closure of a Cairns school.
The woman was attacked in the grounds of the Cairns State High School, which has been closed to students for the day.
Police have found a large amount of blood on the school grounds and some of the victim’s clothes. A crime scene has been established.
Regional Crime Co-ordinator Detective Inspector John Hartwell said the woman had been walking back to her accommodation from a nightclub in the Cairns CBD when the attack occurred.
She was found disorientated and bleeding from a head wound on the corner Grafton and Grove sts, Cairns, about 1.30am (AEST) today.
She was sedated and will undergo surgery in the Cairns Base Hospital. Her condition was not considered life threatening.
Detective Inspector Hartwell said the forensic investigation would take a considerable amount of time because the crime scene covered a large area of the school.
“The crime scene is fairly widespread. We believe that following the attack the girl has wandered around trying to find her way out of the school,” he said.
Police are waiting to speak to the woman and have issued a call for public assistance to help identify her attacker.
They are appealing for anyone who may have seen the woman earlier in the night or who may have seen someone loitering around the school to come forward.
The woman is described as being 20 years old, of Caucasian appearance, 165-170cm tall with a medium build and short dark hair.
She was wearing long black leggings underneath a grey shirt dress with black motif on the front.
Police are also trying to locate the woman’s grey handbag.
Education Queensland has advised students to stay home but has made arrangements to care for students who do attend.
Be the first to comment