British Columbia

RCMP looking for dashcam footage after 'bear hug' assault

Officers say a woman in her 20s was grabbed around 5:30 a.m. PT on Thursday.

Woman in her 20s was attacked around 5:30 a.m. Thursday, police say

The suspect in the attack early Thursday is described as a man about five feet tall with a beard and medium build. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

Surrey RCMP is appealing to the public for dashcam footage after a woman was assaulted in the Newton area on Thursday morning.

A statement said the woman, who is in her 20s, was grabbed from behind and "bear hugged" as she was walking along the 12500 block of 72 Avenue around 5:30 a.m. PT.

RCMP said the suspect also covered the woman's mouth with his hand. She screamed, bit him, freed herself and ran away.

The suspect is described as a man about five feet tall with a beard and medium build.

Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is appealing to members of the public who may have dash-cam video of the 12500 block of 72nd Avenue between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Anyone who may have been in the area at that time or who may have information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.