VANCOUVER Police are investigating after a 19-year-old woman was assaulted while walking downtown on Tuesday morning, and police believe the incident may have been racially motivated.

At 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, a young East Asian woman was walking near Dunsmuir and Cambie streets when a man she didn’t know hit her over the back of the head with a pole. The suspect used a racial slur, then fled the area as he continued making offensive comments.

“Although there were other people walking in the block at the time of assault, they couldn’t have prevented the attack because it was so sudden,” said Constable Jason Doucette on Wednesday. “Witnesses called 9-1-1, provided information about the suspect, and stayed with the victim until first responders arrived.”

The victim was injured and required medical attention; however, the injuries are not life threatening.

Officers flooded the area in search of the suspect; however, he has not yet been located.

“We are releasing a photo of the suspect that was taken just after the assault,” said Doucette. “With public safety our top priority, we need to get this guy identified and arrested.”

Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or has information about the assault, is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2541.