The victim of a phantom attack in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward was attacked Aug. 19 for a second time by a man who followed her from behind and scratched her arm before fleeing the scene.
According to Mitsugaoka Police Station, the victim, a 24-year-old office worker in the ward, suffered minor injuries on her left arm.
Police said the male suspect appeared to be in his 20s or 30s. He was of short height and round build with short hair. He was dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans, and wore a backpack.
The victim was on her way home after shopping, police said.
According to investigative sources, the first phantom attack on the victim occurred Aug. 5, when she was walking along the street in the same neighborhood. She was hit with what looked like a stick from behind by a man riding a bicycle.
The suspect in the first case has not been determined. He was also wearing a backpack on his back, the sources said.