A masked prowler has attacked a series of women in a terrifying spree across Sydney’s west – and police have warned that he will strike again.
The man was caught on camera at about 4am on Wednesday as he robbed a number of properties in Northmead, north of Parramatta.
An hour later, the same man carjacked a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV as its owner bought fuel at the servo on Windsor Road at North Rocks.
He then used the car as he attacked three women, police say.
Officers claim the man first assaulting a 47-year-old woman from behind on the nearby Mons Road at about 5.20am.
She tripped over as she tried to flee, with the assailant making off with her handbag.
A 19-year-old woman called police at 5.40am after a figure – believed to be the same man – pulled a knife on her in Toongabbie.
He stole her bag too and drove off in the stolen SUV, police allege.
A masked prowler has attacked a series of women in a terrifying spree across Sydney’s west – and police have warned that he will strike again
The man was caught on camera at about 4am on Wednesday as he robbed a number of properties in Northmead, north of Parramatta
At about 5.55am, a 27-year-old woman was attacked with a hammer in North Parramatta.
‘The woman has handed the man her purse and mobile phone … and (he) left the scene driving the SUV,’ police said.
The woman’s male friends tracked her phone and found the man at a nearby home. He attacked one of the men with the hammer and escaped.
Police riot officers and sniffer dogs are now searching for the thug.
‘I describe this as particularly cowardly, just targeting women walking alone, in the early hours, from behind,’ Superintendent Barry Vincent said.
Police riot officers and sniffer dogs are now searching for the thug
‘While we weren’t able to come across this offender during the morning, it is of concern to us that the offending continues.’
The ensuing chaos of the police search led to Christ the King Primary School in North Rocks to be briefly locked down as officers hunted for the offender nearby.
There are now fears that the man may have been responsible for a series of break-ins in the area two days earlier – raising fears he will strike again.
The man is described as being of medium build and in his 20s. He was last seen wearing all black, including a beanie, balaclava, gloves and Nike hoodie.
Police say people should not approach him and should instead call the police if they see him.
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