Overview

• An 83-year-old woman in Merrylands was allegedly sexually assaulted in her home on Tuesday after a man offered to help carry her shopping.
• The suspect allegedly forced his way into the victim's home, stole her house keys, and attempted to clean the crime scene before fleeing.
• Following a public appeal and the release of suspect images, police arrested a 41-year-old man at a unit on Harris Street in Fairfield on Friday afternoon.
• The man is expected to be charged with sexual assault and related offences as investigations by Strike Force Bena continue.
• The incident has raised community concerns about the safety of elderly residents, prompting police to urge vigilance and neighborly watchfulness.