Two violent assaults of women during daylight hours in the same area of Mackay has prompted an increased police presence.
A 53-year-old was attacked on February 3 while swimming at Town Beach, adjacent to the Iluka Park area.
More than a week later, a 27-year-old was assaulted while walking on the Bluewater Trail.
Investigators said they believed the two incidents could be linked, but had limited information on the appearance of the alleged attacker.
“Both victims in this case have been approached from behind … the traumatic nature of these attacks, it’s sometimes difficult for victims to recall those sorts of details,” Detective Inspector Emma Novosel told a press conference on Monday.
“At this time we’re working with these victims to try and ascertain a better description.
“They’ve been very courageous in coming forward to ensure that this perpetrator can be held to account and also to ensure the safety of the community.”
Both women were from the Mackay area, and were violently attacked and sexually assaulted during daylight hours on a weekday.
Novosel confirmed one had been wearing headphones at the time, and urged residents to take extra precautions.
“I encourage the community to continue to enjoy using those public spaces,” she said.
“We have increased our patrols to ensure that everyone is safe, but if you are going to exercise, can I ask you to take some basic security precautions that you would ordinarily do on a day-to-day basis?
“If possible make sure that someone knows where you’re going, if possible don’t exercise alone, and if you choose to wear headphones … make sure that the volume in those headphones is at a level so you can be aware of your surroundings.”
She added police believed it was possible there were more victims who had not come forward, and urged anyone with relevant information or CCTV from the area to come forward.
“Police are seeking assistance from the Mackay community, and from people who may have been using those areas, who may have had interaction or seen an interaction between persons and an unknown male that may have caused them concern.”
Investigators first became aware of the allegations last week.
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