Police issue witness appeal after Hawick hammer attack on woman of 24

Hawick hammer attack victim Jessica Rafferty.

Jessica Rafferty was targeted while walking between Stirches Road and Stintyknowe at around 3.30pm.

A balaclava-clad man approached her from behind and assaulted her, keeping up his apparently motiveless onslaught for about five minutes before running off.

Ms Rafferty was hit more than 40 times during the attack and left with broken ribs, a cracked jaw and widespread bruising.

Jessica Rafferty was attacked in the lane between Stirches Road and Stintyknowe in Hawick.

As well as a balaclava, her attacker is said to have been wearing a dark-coloured hooded top, grey jogging trousers and black shoes.

Ms Rafferty was taken to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose for treatment after the attack but has since been discharged

Inquiries are ongoing by police to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Detective constable Bruce Dodds, of the criminal investigation department at Galashiels police station, said: “This is a popular location and is used by many people taking exercise each day, so I am appealing to anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon to think back and consider if they saw this man.

Bruising to Jessica's back and one of her arms.

“Did you notice him prior to or after the assault?

“Any small piece of information could prove significant in our inquiries as we piece together the circumstances of what has happened and why.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that officers will be conducting additional patrols in the area. Anyone with concerns can approach these officers.”

Ms Rafferty, a carer, was walking her two dogs at the time of the attack, German shepherd Kira and border collie puppy Pablo.

Recounting her ordeal, she told the Southern: “I said to him to take whatever he wanted, but he didn’t stop hitting me. It was horrible, terrifying.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2,452 of June 3, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.