Vancouver police seek help solving Oakridge-area attacks on women

Vancouver police are looking for potential witnessesfollowingtwoviolent attacks on womenon residential streets near theOakridge Mall.

In the first case, a 23-year-old woman was leaving the Canada Line'sLangarastation when she was jumped from behind. Aman tackled her to the ground, hit her in the face, then ran away as she was screaming.

That attack occurred last month.About 10days later, in the same area, a 67-year-old woman was attacked from behindand hit in the head. Once again, the man ran off.

VancouverPoliceConst. BrianMontague saidthe attacks did not seem to be sexual in nature.

The attacks were brief, but one of thewoman suffered a brokenfacial bone, Montague said, adding the assaults were"very emotionally traumatizing for both these women."

Hid behind tree

In one instance,the attacker hid behind a tree before assaulting the woman. The odd behavioursuggests he may have a mental health or drug issue, Montague said.

The suspect in both cases is described as white, in his 30sor 40swith short hair.

Montague said the attacks are out of the ordinary for that neighbourhood.

"These are residential neighbourhoods." he said. "It's avery safe partof the city. It obviously affects (the residents')sense of security."

Const. Montague said police havea video image of the person who may be involved.

Vancouver police are calling on any potential witnesses to the attacks to call in.