RESIDENTS are being warned not to approach a man believed to have attacked five men using a hammer and dog chain in Bathurst on Saturday morning.
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Police say the five separate incidents, which occurred between 9am and 10.30am, appear to have been unprovoked and unrelated.
Inspector Mark Wall from Chifley local area command yesterday urged residents not to approach the man, who is described as caucasian, two metres (six foot, six inches) tall and of solid build, aged around 40 years.
“Police are investigating a number of assaults that occurred in Bathurst on Saturday morning which all appear to involve the same male,” Insp. Wall said yesterday. “Police are still looking for him at this stage. We are asking for assistance from anyone who may have been approached by the male or witnessed one of the incidents.”
The victims, aged between 15 and 70, were walking alone when the alleged assaults occurred.
The first took place around 9.05am. A man was walking along Prospect Street when he noticed a vehicle following him. Inspector Wall said the driver got out of the vehicle – described as a white Toyota Landcruiser 70 series ute with a green canopy over the tray – and spoke with the victim.
“The male went back and grabbed a hammer from his vehicle and threatened the victim, who was able to get away and contact police,” Insp. Wall said.
Then, at 9.30am, the man approached his second victim, who was walking along Durham Street.
“He had conversation with the victim and, during that time, used a dog chain to assault him,” Insp. Wall said.
The victim sustained minor injuries and reported the incident to police. Ten minutes later, a third victim was walking to work along the Vale Road when the man drove towards him, crossing onto the incorrect side of the road.
It is believed the man got out of the car and proceeded to strike the victim across the chest and arms with the dog chain. The victim was able to escape and contact police.
At about 10.05am, a man was walking along the Great Western Highway across the Evans Bridge when he was approached by the offender. The victim was hit in the face, back and arms with the dog chain, and sustained cuts and welts on his body.
The final incident occurred at around 10.30am, when the man approached his fifth victim on Alpha Street. The man began hitting the victim with the dog chain, inflicting minor injuries.
Insp. Wall said the man’s conversations with his victims indicated he may be mentally unwell.
The registration plate on the Landcruiser begins with AG. It is believed the man has a labrador in the vehicle with him. Anyone with further information on any of the incidents, or who believes they have seen the man, should contact Bathurst Police on 6332 8699, or 000.