About 6.45pm, Monday 8 July 2013, police were called to a report that an elderly woman had been sexually assaulted in her residence in the vicinity of Strahan Street, South Burnie. 

The victim responded to a noise at her back door and was met by a man who committed the assault, and then left the scene. 

The victim was found by a relative a short time later and Tasmania Ambulance and Tasmania Police were called to assist.

The victim was taken to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie and was treated for minor injuries.  Although shaken by the assault, she is recovering well at this stage.

Description of the offender is sketchy at this early stage of the investigation, but is described as:  an older man, average height, average build, with short hair, tanned complexion. 

Police believe that the assault occurred between the hours of 4pm and 6.40pm and appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of Strahan Street last night. 

Police urge anyone who has information regarding the identity of the offender to contact police on 131 444 or information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.