A 17-year-old schoolgirl who was celebrating her Year 12 graduation was sexually assaulted as she walked home from a party in Berkeley in the early hours of this morning.Detectives are appealing for public help to identify the two men, who set upon the teenager as she walked home alone along Whimbrel Ave at 2am.One of the men pushed the girl to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other watched, before the pair ran from the scene, police said.The girl rang police immediately after the assault and was treated at Wollongong Hospital this morning.Police said the girl had attended her school formal at a Wollongong restaurant last night and later attended an after-party at a Berkeley home.About 2am she decided to leave the party and was walking home alone when the assault occurred.A crime scene was established and forensic officers examined the area following the attack.Lake Illawarra Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Michael McLean urged young women to be extra vigilant in the wake of the assault."It's very important that young women take their personal safety seriously and don't put themselves in situations where they could become a victim of crime, including sexual assault," he said"Do not walk home alone, stick to major routes and use well-lit footpaths that are not closed in by bushes or other obstacles."The first male was aged in his late teens and is of Pacific Islander appearance, about 170cm tall with a muscular build.The second male was aged in his late teens, of Pacific Islander appearance, about 165cm tall with an obese build and short black hair.Anyone with information about the assault should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
View The assault occurred on Whimbrel Ave in a larger map