Vancouver's west side is reeling in the aftermath of a violent sexual assault that took place late Saturday night.

At about 12:30 a.m. in Hastings Mill Park a woman was jumped from behind, beaten and dragged across the grass before being sexually assaulted.

The victim was eventually able to fend off her attacker, though she sustained significant facial injuries and bruises.

"Obviously this is a violent and traumatic event," Const. Jana McGuinness said. "There will be an emotional toll - no doubt for many weeks, and potentially even longer."

Locals residents shaken

For years, Allison Jibault has considered the park, which is located at the end of Point Grey Road, a safe place.

That was before she learned about the vicious assault that took the very evening Jibault and dozens of other guests attended her sister's wedding at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club next door.

"We were really shocked. When people were cleaning up at the end of the night they said there were police and police tape," she said.

"Nobody knew what had gone on. It's very unnerving."

The Ladner-Beaudry connection

At a press conference Monday morning, Const. Lindsey Houghton addressed speculation that the case may be connected to the death of Wendy Ladner-Beadry in April.

"In any serious case, officers will be linking up with investigators from all over Metro Vancouver to see if there are any similarities," Const. Lindsey Houghton said.

Ladner-Beaudry was found on a path in Pacific Spirit Park. Her killer was never identified.

Houghton said it would take days to identify any similarities because of the high-profile nature of the Ladner-Beaudry case.

In the mean time, locals were told to expect an increased police presence for the next few days as investigators continue to canvass the area.

Police also offered a number of safety suggestions for concerned residents, including:

  • Walk with a partner
  • Carry a cell phone
  • Stick to well-lit routes
  • Let someone know where you are

The suspect is described as 5-5 to 5-8 tall, medium-skinned with a medium build and speaking in a distinctly British accent. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, with a handkerchief over his face.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact police immediately at 604-717-2634.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart