PIERCING screams from a young German backpacker are the first vital clues in the search for a brutal attacker who left the woman with horrific head injuries early on Tuesday morning.
A witness has told police the screams came from the direction of Cairns State High School at 1.20am, allowing officers to pinpoint the exact time of the attack.
The investigation has been hampered by a lack of information but police have now identified a person of interest. They have described a man of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance with a slim build and collar-length dreadlocks.
The man was wearing a dark cap, shorts and T-shirt when he was seen riding a dark grey bike away from the school grounds about 1.20am on Tuesday.
The witness saw him riding down Sheridan St before cutting through a motel driveway to McLeod St.
In other developments:
A Cairns man has offered a $5000 reward to anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the positive identification of the attackers.
"I was angry when I heard about this. The young girl was in Cairns to holiday and this shouldn't have happened to her. These people should be put behind bars," the man said.
The German consulate has been overwhelmed with donations and pledges of support from the local community.
"It gives me goosebumps. Every day, people have brought in flowers, money and gifts. The girl doesn't understand the extent of the local spirit yet but it will be very much appreciated," Iris Indorato from the German consulate said.
Police yesterday admitted progress on the investigation was slow.
"We don't know if this person will reoffend and it is concerning that we haven't caught him at this stage," Far Northern region crime co-ordinator Det Insp John Hartwell said.
Officers hoped security footage of the 20-year-old German woman released to the public on Wednesday would result in more witnesses coming forward but so far only a few calls have been received.
"We are still interested in anyone who has information at all in relation to the case. We are trying to locate the woman's missing property and we are calling for witnesses," Det Insp Hartwell said.
The woman's purple cloth shoulder bag is still missing and police have also not found the black tights she was wearing.
News of the attack was reported in the woman's home town Gerabronn in Baden-Wurttemberg but it has not stopped tourists from visiting the Far North.
"We're not really worried. As long as we travel in groups at night, we should be fine," tourist Lisa Nussbann said.
"As long as you don’t talk to strangers and you watch your drinks, you should be safe," tourist Ulrike Schoening said.
