Man arrested over 'random' bike lock strangling attack

A 24-year-old man has been charged over the alleged strangling of a woman with a bike lock in the yard of a western Sydney unit block on Wednesday.

The man was arrested following an appeal for public assistance shortly before 1am today following the random attack on a 27-year-old woman outside an Ashfield unit block.

He has since been charged with intentionally choke person with recklessness, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal) and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man is alleged to have followed the woman after she stepped off a bus and headed down Bland Street in Ashfield at about 8.30pm.

After noticing the man following her, the 27-year-old quickly turned left into Julia Street and walked into the front yard of a unit complex.

The man is alleged to have then wrapped a bike chain around her neck, pushing her to the ground.

A couple sitting in a car nearby heard the woman’s screams. The man got out of the car and confronted the attacker, who punched him in the face before fleeing the scene.

His partner ran to the front yard, where she found the 27-year-old semiconscious.

She was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with neck injuries.

“The nature of this attack is concerning,” Acting Superintendent Andrew Graham said.

“The fact that it appears to be a random attack… the motive is unclear at this stage.

“We’re thankful those two witnesses came forward and assisted her."

Residents of the quiet Ashfield street have told 9NEWS of their horror over the frightening attack.

“I’m shocked - I often come back at night time,” one resident said.

“Nothing like that has ever happened around here before,” said another.

Anyone who may have information over the attack should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.