Detectives from the Sexual Crime Squad have released CCTV of a man they are searching for following an incident where a woman was assaulted in Brunswick earlier this week.
The woman, who is aged in her 30s, caught the number 6 tram from the Melbourne CBD about 11.50pm on Tuesday, 7 January.
She then got off the tram on Lygon Street and walked to a nearby service station at the intersection of Glenlyon Road for food.
Afterwards, the woman then started walking along Luscombe Street when she became aware of a man following her shortly after 12.40am on 8 January.
The man has then grabbed her and dragged her into a laneway along Luscombe Street.
The woman struggled and managed to scream, and the man then let go of her before jumping on a nearby bicycle and riding off.
He has then headed south along Lygon Street past Brunswick Road and was last sighted heading east along the bike path.
The victim was able to get home and then reported the matter to police.
The man depicted in the footage is believed to be about 170cm tall with a thin build.
At the time of the incident he was wearing a blue and grey zip up hoodie, light coloured pants and a bike helmet.
Detectives have conducted an extensive CCTV canvas of the area and are today releasing footage of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.
The footage shows him pushing his bicycle along Lygon Street.
While searching for CCTV, police have also come across a separate incident just after 12.30am where he appears to follow another woman.
The woman was also on the number 6 tram and got off at the intersection of Lygon and Albert Streets.
The man follows her with his bike along Albert Street for a short distance, however it is not clear if the woman is aware of the man's presence or if they had any interaction.
Police would like to speak to any women who got off the number 6 tram at this tram stop opposite the East Brunswick Hotel just before 12.30am on the night (now Wednesday 8 January).
Detectives are also urging anyone who recognises the man or remembers seeing him in the area on the night and may have dash cam footage, to come forward.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
