People at the University of Victoria are being warned to be extra vigilant on campus after a female student was attacked and sexually assaulted, possibly by multiple men, on the weekend.
Police initially said the student was attacked by as many as five men, but now say they can’t confirm how many people were involved and what their involvement was.
"It is believed that several people were involved in this incident," Sgt. Steve Eassie said in a statement issued to media Monday morning.
The attack happened in a wooded area not far from several student residences sometime between midnight Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday. The assault was reported to campus security, who contacted Saanich police.
“She has bravely brought this information forward and is being supported at this difficult time,” Sgt. Eassie said of the unnamed student victim.
No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of the suspect or suspects.
Police are hoping to speak with a witness they believe intervened in the attack and may have “prevented the incident from proceeding further,” said Sgt. Eassie.
“We also believe that this person may have information that may assist us with our ongoing investigation,” he said.
The university issued a safety bulletin to staff and students on campus and said it would step up patrols of the area of the reported assault.
“Sexualized violence is never acceptable and UVic is deeply committed to providing all members of our community with a safe, supportive and respectful environment,” the bulletin posted online reads.
Saanich police say no further details will be released because the investigation is ongoing and it still needs to conduct further interviews.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or UVic campus security.
