Vancouver Police are investigating after a 19-year-old woman was assaulted while walking downtown yesterday morning, and police believe the incident may have been racially motivated.

At 9:50 Tuesday morning, a young Asian woman was walking near Dunsmuir and Cambie streets when a man she didn’t know hit her over the back of the head with a pole. The suspect used a racial slur, then fled the area as he continued making offensive comments.

"Although there were other people walking in the block at the time of assault, they couldn’t have prevented the attack because it was so sudden," says Constable Jason Doucette. "Witnesses called 9-1-1, provided information about the suspect, and stayed with the victim until first responders arrived."

The victim was injured and required medical attention, however the injuries are not life threatening.

Several officers flooded the area in search of the suspect, however he has not yet been located.

"We are releasing a photo of the suspect that was taken just after the assault," adds Doucette. "With public safety our top priority, we need to get this guy identified and arrested."