Attack on a popular track in Australia (Daily Mail photo)
Two Finnish backpackers were attacked by a shovel while on a popular Western Australian hiking trail.
On Saturday afternoon, two Finnish backpackers were knocked down by a car near (Paulls Valley), when two Finnish backpackers were playing on the popular Western Australian hiking trail, (Bibbulmun Track), according to the Daily Mail.
The driver then stepped out of the car and attacked the 33-year-old backpacker who had been knocked down with a shovel. The driver then attacked another 33-year-old backpacker. The male backpacker stood up and fought with the driver. Later, the female backpacker took the opportunity to knock down the driver.
The driver of a passing bus stopped to help two backpackers subdue the assailant until police arrived.
The attacker, (Matt Lewis Whittaker), 36, is believed to be from (Sawyers Valley)., Sawyer Valley. Whitaker`s car, whose license plate was stolen, has been charged with attempted murder and theft.
Yesterday, Whitaker briefly appeared in court, did not apply for bail. The case is now adjourned to August 8 at the Stirling Garden District Court, (Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court).
Police investigations are continuing and the Finnish Embassy is providing consular assistance to the two victims. According to police statements, prior to the incident, the victim did not know the attacker and was not involved in any incident in connection with the attacker.
The 1000-kilometer Bibmont track stretches from Karamunda (Kalamunda), a suburb south-east of Perth, to the southern coast of Western Australia, one of the world`s most spectacular long-distance walking trails, six to eight weeks away.
Seltis (Steve Sertis), the Bibmont path guide, was shocked to learn of the attack, saying the trekking route was usually very safe.
