A 35-year-old woman was taking her dog for a walk along Riversdale Road in Hawthorn late at night when a frightening encounter unfolded. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on November 20, 2025.

As she neared the intersection with Kooyongkoot Road, an unknown man approached her. The confrontation quickly escalated when the man demanded money. When she did not comply, he struck her and then fled the scene on foot.

The woman suffered minor injuries from the altercation.

According to witnesses, the suspect was last seen running east along Riversdale Road in the direction of Camberwell.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his 40s, approximately 180 cm tall, with a medium build. He has short, dark hair and brown eyes that appeared glazed.

He is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 40s, 180cm tall, of medium build, with short, dark hair, and brown, glazed eyes.

He was wearing a black hoodie, dirty light grey pants, and no shoes at the time of the assault.

Police have released a computer-generated image of a man they believe could aid the investigation.