Police investigate attempted sexual assault of Melbourne dog walkers

Wed 15 Jul 2026 at 3:58pm

Wed 15 Jul 2026 at 3:58pm

Police are appealing for witnesses after the attempted sexual assault of two women in Melbourne's east was reportedly thwarted by a pack of dogs.

Investigators were told a 67-year-old Toorak woman and a 39-year-old Glen Iris woman were walking with eight dogs along Gardiners Creek in Kooyong about 11:30am on Tuesday when a man attacked them.

The women reported a male jumped out of a bush and put his arms around one of them before being pushed away, police said.

After attempting to grab the other woman, police said the man was then chased by the team of dogs into a nearby tunnel under the Monash Freeway.

Police say the dogs managed to tear off a piece of the assailant's clothing as he fled.

Investigators said the man was perceived to be of African appearance, and was wearing black tracksuit pants, white socks, slides and a black and grey hooded top. He was also wearing a black face covering and was carrying a large bright blue backpack.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist police in identifying the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.