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The 19-year-old is recovering from injuries to her face and torso, but detectives say she has not yet been well enough to provide a formal statement.
Echuca police Detective Sergeant Shane Kervin said investigators had made significant progress following public appeals for information.
“At this stage, we believe it’s a group of seven to eight males and females, aged between 13 and 17,” he said.
“We believe we’ve got some information in regards to who they may be.”
The assault occurred along the Campaspe River bike track on the western side of the river, about 300m to 400m from the footbridge.
“She’s made her way across the footbridge to the CBD side of the Campaspe and was found in Anstruther St near Tobin Brothers shortly before 3pm,” Det Sgt Kervin said.
One woman who stopped to help the victim said the scene was distressing.
“She was very shaken up,” she said.
“I just gave her wipes so she could clean herself up and make sure she was okay until the ambos and police got there.”
The assault occurred along the Campaspe River bike track on the western side of the river, about 300m to 400m from the footbridge.
Photo by
Ivy Jensen
The victim had since messaged her: “no broken bones, just in a lot of pain and very shaken up and scared”.
“I’m just glad myself and another lady saw her when we did, walking all bloodied up,” the woman said.
While police believe they are closing in on those involved, it is too early to identify the entire group.
“We just need to determine who’s done what and their level of involvement before we cast a net over the whole group,” Det Sgt Kervin said.
“It’s possible only one or two were the primary offenders and the others just happened to be there.
“There’s no evidence to suggest all of the group have been involved in the assault.”
Det Sgt Kervin also urged community members not to take matters into their own hands amid rumours of vigilante action.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the Campaspe River bike track area on Thursday afternoon and may have seen suspicious behaviour, or who has information about the group, to contact Echuca police on 5483 1500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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