Police are actively searching for a man who brutally attacked and attempted to rape a woman in Central Park early Saturday morning.

The victim, a 38-year-old woman, was near 85 East Drive in the northern end of the park around 5:10 a.m. when she was approached by the unidentified assailant.

In a harrowing account of the attack, police reported that the suspect “pushed the victim over a metal fence, punched her in the face multiple times, and attempted to rape her.”

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Following the violent encounter, the attacker fled the scene on a bicycle, making his escape as he rode north on 5th Avenue.

This disturbing incident comes amidst rising crime rates in Central Park, with statistics revealing a 13% increase in year-to-date offenses and a staggering 34% surge compared to two years ago, according to NYPD data.

The community is on high alert as authorities work tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator and restore a sense of safety in one of New York City’s most iconic parks.