Toronto police are investigating a violent sexual assault that took place downtown near Cecil and Beverley Streets.
A 25-year-old female student was walking home from her part-time job in a well-lit area about 4 a.m. Friday when the attack occurred.
The attacker allegedly grabbed her from behind and took her to a nearby alleyway where he sexually assaulted her behind a clump of bushes for 10 minutes. No weapon was used in the attack.
Police consider this to be a random attack. They describe the suspect as being a white male between the ages of 25 and 30 and about 5'7" with some facial hair and a medium build. He was dressed in a blue hoodie and wore light-coloured pants.
"He's the kind of person we need to catch," said Det. Const. Brad Stapleton of the Toronto Police Service's sex crimes unit.
"This was the kind of individual who didn't just quickly attack her. He took his time. He was very methodical. Based on the viciousness of the attack, we think this person is very capable of doing it again."
People in the neighbourhood expressed shock and worry about the attack. One person thought whoever was capable of such an act was a monster. One young woman said she was a grad student who worked odd hours.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (416)-222-TIPS or make a report online at www.222tips. People can also text TOR and send a message to CRIMES (274637).
With a report from CTV Toronto's Jim Junkin
