MUSLIM WOMAN’S BASHED, THROWN IN RACIAL ATTACK ON A MELBOURNE TRAIN
Melbourne, 5 Dhulhijjja 1435/29 September 2014 (MINA) – A woman has been left traumatised after her head was smashed into the side of train carriage during an apparent racial attack in Melbourne’s north, Australia, following recent attacks on muslim communities in the country.
The 26-year-old victim was on an Upfield line train outbound on Thursday night when she was approached by another woman, who began hurling abusive and racist remarks, community of Islamophobia Register Australia quoted theage.com, Monday.
The woman grabbed the victim by the neck and hair, and forced her head into the wall of the carriage several times.
She then pushed the victim off the train as it rolled into Batman Station in Coburg North.
Senior Constable Michael Potter said the incident occurred as the train approached the station about 6.55pm on Thursday night.
He would not confirm the race of the victim, despite Chief Commissioner Ken Lay urging members of the Muslim community to come forward to report racial abuse in the wake of heightened terror alerts and the stabbing of two police in Endeavour Hills last week.
Senior Constable Potter said releasing details about the woman’s race could identify her or potentially lead to further attacks.
Two men, who police believe may have witnessed the assault, approached the victim and offered help.
Senior Constable said police were still in the process of reviewing and obtaining CCTV footage of the attack.
He said there were no Protective Services Officers rostered at the station when the woman was attacked.
The victim had boarded the train at Flinders Street, but it is unclear when her attacker boarded and alighted the train.
The offender is described as fair-skinned, about 177 centimetres tall, of solid build with short, brown hair and light eyebrows.
She was wearing baggy jeans, a puffy black hoodie and runners.
Anyone with information – in particular the two men who helped the victim – is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.(T/R04/R03)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
