Woman stabbed in Southbank attack
Matthew Burgess
April 10, 2008 - 4:00PM
Several taxi drivers rushed to the aid of a woman who was stabbed multiple times during a "vicious" attack in Southbank this morning.
The woman, 43, is in a stable condition in hospital after the attack, which happened about 2.20am.
Senior Constable Adam Tanner, of the Melbourne Embona Taskforce, said the woman was walking along Southbank after a night out when she was approached by another woman.
"That female approached her and had a short conversation with her, at which point the female became uncomfortable in her presence," Senior Constable Tanner said.
"In fear for her own safety, she walked to a well lit area of Southbank, at which point that female followed her."
The attacker mentioned she was homeless during the conversation but made no threats, he said.
Senior Constable Tanner said the victim tried to gain entry to The Langham hotel, which was locked. She turned back towards a nearby taxi rank and was attacked near the intersection of Riverside Quay and Southgate Avenue.
"The female offender basically told the victim that she had a knife and if she didn't hand over her property that she'd stab her," he said.
"A struggle has then developed over the victim's bag that she was carrying and the female offender has produced a knife and has stabbed the victim four times about the body."
She was stabbed once in the abdomen area and once to the back and received cuts to her wrist and forehead, Senior Constable Tanner said.
He said four taxi drivers who intervened "most likely saved the victim from more substantial harm".
The attacker fled on foot with the woman's bag.
"It's a vicious attack.The victim is lucky to have received not more substantial injuries as a result of the attack with the knife," Senior Constable Tanner said.
A spokeswoman for The Alfred hospital said the woman was in a stable condition.
The attacker has been described as dark skinned and possibly Aboriginal, about 20 years old, 175 centimetres tall and with a solid build. She was wearing blue jeans, white sneakers, a grey shirt and a blue hooded jacket with yellow inner lining.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Topic: Abbo stabs woman in Melbourne (Read 977 times)