A woman has been beaten unconscious and left for hours on the side of a popular walking trail in NSW.
The serious assault took place when the woman, 45, was struck from behind on the Coffs Creek Walkway near Nana Ln in Coffs Harbour about 6am on Wednesday.
She had stopped by a rope swing to watch the sunrise when she was set upon, police said.
It was not until almost 10.30am, more than four hours later, that two members of the public stopped to help the woman, who was lying by the side of the trail.
Police believe the attack was carried out by a man, who is yet to be found.
‘The level of assault is concerning’
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty said the assault is not linked to the stabbing murder of Kye Schaefer last week.
The victim has been released from hospital and has spoken with detectives.
Police did not speak on her injuries but believe she may have been struck with an object or fists.
“At this point, detectives are being open-minded as to whether or not the two parties may have known each other from previous morning walks,” Flaherty said.
“Certainly the level of assault that occurred on this 45-year-old lady is concerning.
“What is more concerning is that we believe that she has been adjacent to that walking trail — some metres and within clear view of the walking trail — for a number of hours.
“People may have seen her or perhaps saw the offender leaving the area.”
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone on the walking track between 6am and 10.20am on Wednesday.
Police said dashcam footage captured in cars driving on streets adjacent to the path could prove useful to their investigation.
The Coffs Creek Walkway is a shared 8.6km path and cycleway through wetlands, beaches and reserves.