Woman reports sexual assault on Burnaby walking path

Burnaby RCMP are investigating a report that a woman was sexually assaulted while walking on the B.C. Parkway near Ron McLean Park on Tuesday.

Police said the woman was heading east about 5:30 p.m. when a stranger passed her, struck her buttocks and ran away. She was not physically injured.

Investigators are in the early stages of the case and will examine whether it is connected to previous reports. In July, police reported that a woman was walking near Royal Oak Avenue and Beresford Street, about two kilometres away along the parkway, when a stranger grabbed her buttocks. That incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. on July 9, and no suspect description was available.

The suspect in Tuesday's report is described as about five feet five inches tall with a medium build, wearing a white T-shirt and loose black shorts. RCMP advised people to remain alert, walk with others when possible and avoid wearing headphones while alone.