Police: Woman brutally attacked in Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Charlestown neighborhood is on alert after police say a 26-year-old aspiring actress was attacked from behind on Halloween night.

Friends say the woman was walking to her boyfriend’s house on Halloween night when she was attacked from behind.

“Something like this is very traumatizing,” said John Upton, a family friend. “My heart goes out to the family. I know her whole family very well and this is a crazy spot, I can’t imagine

Police say they first talked with the victim Thursday; she was recovering at Mass. General.

Her face, mouth and arms were badly bruised.

“I’m just shocked to even hear something like this would go on in a neighborhood like this. A few years ago you would never hear of a thing happening like this and frankly, I’m appalled by it,” said Sean Riley, a neighbor.

Neighbors on Lawrence Street say they're shocked by the alleged crime; the attack was so violent, the victim apparently blacked out twice from her injuries.

“It’s pretty terrible, but it is an urban neighborhood and things do happen,” said Molly Tobin.

Friends say the victim was home recovering Friday. They're hoping nearby surveillance cameras

catch the suspect who has left so many shaken.

“This is a really good town and a good sense of pride from being from this town,” said Upton.

Police have not yet said if they have a suspect description.