Police Investigate Attempted Kidnapping in Warrnambool, Seek Public Help

Police have released images of a woman they believe was tasked to kidnap another woman in the regional Victorian town of Warrnambool earlier this month.

Police say a 33-year-old woman was walking home from work on Willow Tree Lane on July 7 about 4.30pm when another woman grabbed her from behind and pushed her into a car.

The victim managed to fight off her attacker, but the offender stole her phone and drove south away from the scene.

Authorities have established that the 2016 Hyundai i30 used in the attack was a hire car.

Victoria Police said they believe the woman was tasked with the crime by a man who lives overseas and is known to the victim.

The female offender is described as Caucasian, aged between 20 and 30 years old with blonde curly hair.

She was wearing a black hoodie and pink hiking pants during the incident.

"We've done a lot of work and progressed our investigation; however, we're now at a stage where we need assistance from the public," Detective Acting Sergeant Joe Fisher said.

" This was a targeted incident in which we believe the woman involved was tasked by a man linked to the victim. "

Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher said he couldn't go into detail on who they believe the individual who ordered the kidnapping may be.

"We believe we know who he is, and he appears to be offshore," he said.

"Our aim today is to identify the woman involved, and we believe someone will know who she is.

"The victim was very brave, and I thank goodness she was able to get away. Luckily, she was not seriously injured."

Investigators have released CCTV of the vehicle driving on Koroit, Hyland and Giffen streets, and Raglan Parade in the hour following the incident.

Detectives are appealing for more CCTV and dash cam vision from motorists who might have been in the street or the surrounding area at the time.