The RCMP is looking for a suspect after a 24-year-old woman escaped a violent home invasion in Timberlea, N.S., early Wednesday morning.
Police say the woman, who was home alone, was asleep when she heard the floors creak around 3 a.m.
Seconds later, police say a man jumped on the woman’s bed and tried to choke her, then struck her with a metal object.
The woman fought back and ran to her neighbour’s home two doors down. When they didn't respond, she doubled back and started pounding on the front door of a house right next door.
Neighbours say they awoke to loud screams.
"It was probably five minutes later, we saw all the police cars come and then we found out what was going on," said neighbour Andrew Brown.
She was taken to hospital with injuries to her head, face and upper body. Police say her injuries are not life-threatening.
Police officers and a K9 unit responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspect.
Because it was dark at the time of the incident, a description of the suspect is not available.
Police are investigating whether the attacker is known to the victim.
“It is too early in the investigation to determine whether it was a random incident,” said Cpl. Dal Hutchinson, spokesperson for Halifax District RCMP.
Members of the community were left shaken by the incident.
"Yeah, shocking really that you would be awakened in the middle of the night to some woman's pleas for help, and knowing that it's just three doors away on a main road,” said neighbour Pamela Brown.
"I don't even lock my doors half the time, especially because we're so open to the road,” said neighbour Donnie Gaudet.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko.
