Police are hunting a man who allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly woman after offering to help carry her shopping and forcing his way into her home in Sydney’s west.

In a disturbing development in Sydney’s west, police are actively searching for a suspect accused of sexually assaulting an 83-year-old woman. According to the report, the incident occurred near Charles Mance Reserve in Merrylands, where an unknown man approached the elderly woman, offered to help with her shopping, and subsequently forced his way into her home. The police have taken the report seriously, launching Strike Force Bena and establishing a crime scene at the location. The victim, who was taken to hospital for assessment, reported the incident through a concerned neighbour. Detective Acting Superintendent Rachel Fawcett, speaking on behalf of the sex crimes squad, described the breach of trust and the subsequent assault as "abhorrent behaviour"—a term that underscores the severity as well as the betrayal felt by the victim and community. The detail that the alleged perpetrator even stole the woman’s house keys and attempted to clean the crime scene adds to the unsettling nature of the case. Official images of the suspect have been released, showing a man with fair skin, dark hair and a slight beard, dressed in a black shirt with white panels, dark blue pants, and white shoes. Fawcett expressed confidence that the man could be identified quickly, urging the public to provide any information that might help in his capture. The repeated emphasis on community safety, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable members, is a notable aspect of the report. Sources credited in the article include statements from NSW Police along with a collection of information from international news organizations like AFP, Reuters, AAP, CNN, and the BBC World Service, which reinforces the reliability of the details presented. It is important to recognize that the report has been repeated several times within the text, possibly as a formatting or aggregation error, yet the core information remains consistent: a vulnerable individual has been targeted, and policing bodies are responding robustly. There is an implicit call for public vigilance—not only to assist in the investigation but also to ensure the community feels safe reporting such crimes. The narrative is backed by direct quotes from police officials and is laden with factual descriptions that aim to both inform and mobilize community response against such criminal behaviour. My own commentary on this event is one of deep concern, particularly for the elderly who should be safe in their own homes. The clear call to action to "help get [the suspect] off the streets" indicates a community-first approach that aims to restore trust and safety among residents. While the language is assertive, it is commensurate with the gravity of the alleged assault and designed to draw urgent public attention.