Appeal for information after Ourimbah woman critically injured

Investigators from Tuggerah Lakes Police District are calling on assistance from the public after a woman was critically injured at Ourimbah earlier this month.

About 10.20am on Monday 3 July 2023, officers from Tuggerah Lakes attended a unit on Walmsley Road, Ourimbah, due to concerns for the welfare of a 33-year-old woman.

Sara-Jane was found unresponsive with serious injuries before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

A crime scene was established and investigations into the incident have continue under Strike Force Weald.

Several exhibits were seized following a search of the property and are undergoing forensic examination.

Tuggerah Lakes PD Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies, appealed for information alongside Sara-Jane’s younger brother and other family members today (Wednesday 19 July 2023).

“Due to the nature of the injuries, we have been treating this at the highest end since day one,” Supt Gillies said.

Supt Gillies said that investigators are confident that members of the public must know something about the incident.

“There was no forced entry to the unit, so one line of inquiry is that the victim knows the attacker or attackers,” Supt Gillies said.

“It’s important to note that the injuries to Sara-Jane are extremely serious, certainly life changing; however, encouragingly, there has been an improvement in her condition and detectives hope to speak with her soon so she can shed some light on what has occurred.

“In the interim, we need to identify those involved. Those that know something in relation to this matter are obliged to pass that information on or risk facing criminal sanctions for some serious criminal offences.”

Sara-Jane’s brother, Jake, joined Supt Gillies in the appeal by sharing a statement about the impact the incident has had on the family.

“No family should have to go through this,” Jake said.

“Whoever did this to her is still out there. We are seeking your help to find this person – or people – who have tried to take my sister’s life.

“We have a close-knit community in Ourimbah, and our family are hoping that the public may have heard or seen something from that night or morning.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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