An international student says she is now too frightened to go out — including attending classes — after she was allegedly assaulted in Sydney’s CBD in an incident police believe may have been racially motivated.
Police are appealing for public assistance following the alleged attack on a 23-year-old Chinese woman at World Square about 9.10pm on April 12.
The woman, who asked to be identified by the alias Zili, told 7NEWS.com.au she had been filming a TikTok dance with two friends when she was approached by two women who allegedly began verbally abusing her, including a racist slur mocking Chinese speech.
Zili said when she confronted the pair, she was allegedly punched in the face and head and knocked to the ground.
“I didn’t even register what was happening at first — I was being hit for a moment before it suddenly hit me: ‘Oh my god, I’ve been attacked’.”
Footage reportedly taken by one of her companions appears to show a woman in a black hoodie dragging Zili by the hair, before another woman in a brown top joins in the alleged assault. At one point, the second woman appears to pin her to the ground while continuing the attack.
A security guard who intervened was also allegedly assaulted. He called police and was later assessed by paramedics.
Zili was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a concussion and head injuries, as well as swelling, bruising and other injuries. She said she has experienced ongoing headaches and difficulty eating since the incident.
“I feel nauseous, and I can’t even bring myself to eat,” she said. “I basically don’t go out anymore these days.
“Whenever I see someone who looks even slightly young, I get scared, and my whole body starts shaking.”
Having arrived in Sydney in November last year, Zili said the incident has left her emotionally distressed and unsure about her future in the city, adding she now plans to leave after completing her studies next year.
Police have established a crime scene and investigations are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
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