UVIC campus sex assault witness sought by police

Saanich, B.C. police are hoping to track down a witness who may have stopped a sexualattack on a UVIC female student from escalating.

Police are investigating a sexual assault over the weekend, which took place on campus in a wooded area adjacent to parking lot 1 and near student housing.

"It would appear that this individual may have intervened in the attack on the female student, and prevented the incident from proceeding further,"Sgt. SteveEassiesaid on Monday.

The victim who police say lives on campus did not sustain significant injuries and did not require medical treatment.

Police are also looking for several men they say were involved in the attack, which took place between midnight and 1 a.m. PT on Saturday.

"At this time, we cannot confirm how many people were in fact involved, or what their involvement may have been," Sgt. Eassie said. "We are seeking further information to allow this investigation to continue to move forward."

Campus security head Tom Downie says an attack by strangers is unusual.

"I've been here 20 years and we haven't had to deal with this type of assault," he said.

The assault comes shortly after a week of education to end sexual violence was held at the university.

nyone with information shouldcontact theSaanichPolice Department at250-475-4321or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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