Warning: the story contains details regarding sexual assault.

The Victoria Police Department is seeking witnesses of a sexual assault that happened near the intersection of Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue in the early hours of Friday, July 19.

According to police the assault took place before 2:30 a.m. The woman was approached by an unknown man at the intersection and was taken to a green space, near a tulip statue known as 'The Commerce Canoe'. 

Police say she was threatened, then physically and sexually assaulted. After the assault, the victim ran to a group of people nearby and the suspect fled the area.

Responding officers conducted an extensive search for the suspect, and an evidentiary search is ongoing according to a news release.

"Given the violent nature of this sexual assault, officers have concerns for public safety," noted the release.

Police are asking witnesses and anyone who may have information that could assist in identifying the suspect, including anyone with cellphone, dashcam, or CCTV footage of the area at the time of the assault, to call the EComm report desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1.

Anonymous reports can be made to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.