John Thompson
Northern News Services

Pangnirtung (June 27/05) - A woman was attacked in a Pangnirtung home early Sunday morning, June 20, by an unknown person who is still on the loose in the town of 1,600 residents.

The 31-year-old woman from New Waterford, N.S., was medevaced to an Ottawa hospital shortly after the attack, where she is in serious condition.

The RCMP's major crimes and forensic identification units, along with a police dog, have flown into the community from Iqaluit to assist the local detachment with the investigation. As of press time Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made.

"We're looking for any information, no matter how unimportant it may appear. It could well be important to us," said detachment commander Cpl. Anna Marie Mallard.

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the woman had been in town only a few weeks and was working for a Northern property management firm.

The Journal is also reporting the woman was asleep at the time and whoever assaulted her broke into the house.

Fear currently hangs over the community, said Mayor Jack Maniapik.

"People are still scared. They're scared this guy's still around, and he's capable of doing it again."

People in the community are planning to raise money to buy the injured woman a gift. The hamlet is prepared to match every donation up to $400, Maniapik said.

He said he hopes the crime won't deter people from visiting this summer. Auyuittuq National Park is nearby and attracts tourists.

"I want to reassure them this is a safe community. We'll welcome them with open arms."