Updated: Hawick woman tells of terror after hammer attack in broad daylight

A 24-year-old woman has told of her terror after she was subjected to a horrific five-minute onslaught by a hammer-wielding attacker in Hawick yesterday afternoon, June 3.
Hawick hammer attack victim Jessica Rafferty.Hawick hammer attack victim Jessica Rafferty.
Hawick hammer attack victim Jessica Rafferty.

Carer Jessica Rafferty was out for a walk with her dogs – German shepherd Kira and border collie puppy Pablo – off Stirches Road, on a country path near the old convent there, at about 3.30pm when she was set upon without warning by a man armed with a hammer and wearing a black hoodie and balaclava.

Jessica’s attacker didn’t speak a word during his merciless onslaught, hitting her more than 40 times all over her body during a seemingly motiveless attack lasting five minutes.

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That assault left her with broken ribs, a cracked jaw and widespread bruising.

The scene of the attack, between Stirches Road and Stintyknowe in Hawick.The scene of the attack, between Stirches Road and Stintyknowe in Hawick.
The scene of the attack, between Stirches Road and Stintyknowe in Hawick.

Jessica, still recuperating after a recent operation, said: “I was walking along a little country road when I felt something hit me and I fell to the ground.

“A man wearing a balaclava and with a blunt hammer started attacking me all over.

“The ordeal lasted five minutes, during which this man never said a single word.

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“I said to him to take whatever he wanted, but he didn’t stop hitting me over and over. It was horrible, terrifying.

Bruising to one of Jessica's legs.Bruising to one of Jessica's legs.
Bruising to one of Jessica's legs.

“He turned me over at one point and got right in my face.

“My German shepherd is very protective of me and was barking all the time but even that didn’t stop him.

“I emptied my pockets, but all that was in there was my phone and a dog poo bag, and he just kept kicking at my legs.

“When it ended, he just laughed.”

Bruises on Jessica's face.Bruises on Jessica's face.
Bruises on Jessica's face.

Her attacker – said to have short brown curly hair – was wearing a black hoodie with white stripes, grey jogging bottoms and a black balaclava.

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Jessica, a former pupil of Hawick High School and the town’s Wilton Primary now working for Galashiels-based care company Encompass, was wearing grey jeans at the time, black trainers and a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101, quoting incident number 2,452 of June 3.

Jessica, of Silverbuthall Road in Hawick, added: “I had passed a few dog walkers and runners on my walk. If anyone can help me to identify who this was, I would much appreciate it.

“I’m okay and home from hospital now, but being attacked with a hammer in broad daylight is not what I expected.

“Please watch when out walking.

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“The hospital said I was lucky I’m just bruised and sore, with a few cracks, as the injuries I sustained could have been a whole lot worse.

“I will make a full recovery, but no one should not be able to go out during the day in case they get attacked with a hammer. Please watch out, folks.

“Thank you to each and everyone who has commented, shared or messaged me.

“Justice will happen, and we will catch this vile man who thought to do this to me.

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“All the support and lovely messages mean so much, and I so appreciate everyone looking out for me during this time.”

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