Man raped young Brisbane woman on his way to work, police allege

The victim of an alleged rape in Brisbane's west crossed a creek and bushland before being able to call for help, police have said.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the 23-year-old woman had been walking in Brookfield with a family member who she had become separated from at about 6:30am yesterday.

Police allege a 32-year-old man who had been driving to work through the area approached the woman from behind.

"We will be alleging that he approached her from behind and dragged her in nearby bushes," he said.

He said the alleged assault occurred for "some time" before the man left the scene and went to work.

"We will then allege that when he completed work for the day he drove back past the crime scene," Superintendent Massingham said.

After the alleged assault police said the woman crossed a nearby creek and bushland before reaching the Brookfield Showgrounds Oval, where she contacted family and police.

Superintendent Massingham said the man's vehicle was identified by police when he allegedly drove past the scene later after work, and he was arrested at a nearby street.

"The man has been charged with six counts of rape and one count each of stalking, assault with intent to commit rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty," Superintendent Massingham said.

He is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

There will be an increased police presence in the area over the next few days, but Superintendent Massingham said all the charges related to the one incident, and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the alleged assault.

A crime scene will remain in place for some time.

Superintendent Massingham thanked the media and community for assisting police in identifying the alleged offender.

"After your media reporting last night two witnesses came forward with two pieces of dashcam vision that was the final piece in the puzzle that we needed to solve this horrific crime," he said.

He acknowledged the bravery of the woman in coming forward to report the alleged assault and said she was home with her family.

"This is a horrific and confronting incident that no one should ever experience,"

he said.

"She has suffered injuries as a result of yesterday's assault but she has been provided with the utmost care medically and psychologically that we can at this time and our officers will continue to ensure that she has support in the days ahead.

"Our thoughts are with her, family, and of course the Brookfield community at what is a very difficult time."

Locals never worried before

Maya Torrence and Olivia Gilling were walking near the scene on Friday morning and said they had never been worried about their safety in the area before.

"It's really devastating, kind of confronting," Ms Torrence said.

"You just never think that something will happen like this so close to you."

Ms Gilling said the popularity of the area for morning walks made the incident more concerning.

"I think generally it's a safe place but you never know what can happen and it is worrisome and sad," she said.

"Never [been worried about our safety] before … but now maybe," Ms Torrence said.