André Williams, STAR Writer

The loud screams of a frantic woman alerted residents of a housing scheme, who rushed to her rescue and warded off a man believed to be of unsound mind, who attempted to rape her Tuesday morning.

THE STAR understands that the would-be-victim, Nadine Wellswas walking through the Caribbean Palm Estate housing scheme on Spanish Town road, on her way to work at 5 a.m., when attacker suddenly approached her and began chasing her.

Our news team was told that Wells' attacker was hiding inside a garbage collection area and jumped out at her as she was passing.

THE STAR was further told that the woman was so frightened, she almost fell while running and screaming for help.

The attacker gave chase until residents got word of what was happening, caused by the loud commotion, and came to the woman's rescue.

A relative of the woman told THE STAR, "Him bright, a how him so bright... Little morning rain a dew and him horny an' a run down di woman ... a weh him come from? What if it was a school girl and couldn't think fast enough to run and bawl for help?"

She continued, "If the police never come save him a woulda him dead body Madden come scrape up."

When THE STAR arrived on the scene, there was a large gathering, mostly with persons armed with weapons of stones, machetes, pieces of board and shovels and other instruments ready to give the perpetrator a beating as he was eventually cornered.

THE STAR was told the accused man did not escape the wrath of the angry mob who inflicted blows before he was saved by the lawmen.

He was then removed from the scene, handcuffed and placed in the police service vehicle en route to the Hunts Bay Police station.

The woman after being consoled by residents, continued on her way to work, albeit still visibly shaken up.

The police confirmed the incident when contacted by our news team and said that they are awaiting a statement from the would-be victim.

The senior officer said, "It happened early this morning, I'm waiting to be briefed by the investigating officer ... . Our investigation into the gross behaviour of this man believed to be of unsound mind continues ... . A background check may also be necessary."

Name Changed