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A MAN with bad breath is one of three attackers police are hunting over an alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl in Albury on Tuesday evening.
Police yesterday described the gang attack as “callous” and “random”.
The 17-year-old was walking to her East Albury home across the Dean Street footbridge when three men began following her about 6.20pm.
When she got to the eastern side, two of the men grabbed the girl and dragged her into a nearby bush on the bike path between Centenary and Kenilworth streets.
One of the men allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened the teenager before she was sexually assaulted.
Albury police Inspector Scott Russell said investigators were unsure at this stage as to the role each of the men played in the attack.
The girl called police after the men fled along Dean Street.
Police scoured the area on Tuesday night and set up a crime scene.
The girl was taken to Albury hospital and later went home with her parents.
Inspector Russell said yesterday the girl was reportedly “doing fine”.
“She has not received any ongoing physical injuries,” he said.
“Her mental state is being addressed by counsellors and she will receive ongoing counselling.”
Nearby residents and those walking in the area yesterday morning were shocked by the attack, and the time it occurred.
“It is well lit and that’s a busy time of night,” resident Julie Kaee said.
Inspector Russell app-ealed for public help to catch the alleged offenders.
“It is a concern and we are calling on any witnesses to come forward,” he said.
“We have had a couple of phone calls, but we are seeking more people to come forward.”
Police have visited businesses in the area to obtain CCTV footage.
Inspector Russell was yesterday encouraging people to go about their lives as normal, but be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety.
“We are treating this as an isolated attack, which doesn’t appear to be linked to any crimes we are investigating,” he said.
“It would appear it’s a random, callous attack on a vulnerable person being a 17-year-old girl.
“It’s not a type of crime we investigate every day, but it is concerning and we wish to find these people of interest and put them before the court.”
The men have all been described as Caucasian in appearance.
One offender is about 180-185 centimetres tall, 20-25 years old, with a slim but muscular build and dark mid-length hair.
He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, tan jeans and maroon shoes.
Another of the men was about 180-185cm tall, with a solid build and light short hair.
He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, grey track pants and black lace-up shoes.
The third man was described as 180-185cm tall, about 25-30 years old, with a slim build, gaunt facial features and bad breath.
He was wearing a pale blue hooded jacket with white print, black jeans and camouflage patterned shoes.
Those with information can phone police at Albury on (02) 6023 9299.
