Wednesday issued a stark warning to other Island women.

The 26-year-old was ambushed by youths, one of whom smashed her over the head with a heavy blunt weapon, knocking her off her machine as she drove her bike in Smith's Parish.

As the student and hotel worker recovers from her ordeal, she is speaking out, telling other women to be on their guard for similar attacks.

Her comments were reinforced by Police, who advised women travelling alone to take safety precautions.

"No woman should stop for anyone, especially in areas where there are gangs hanging around. I will not stop for anything now,'' said the young Canadian.

"This has really upset me. I work six nights a week and this has made me afraid to ride at night.

"I think this Island is getting really dangerous. I have lived in Toronto all my life and nothing like this has ever happened.'' The victim was riding along Harrington Sound Road around 10 p.m. when the attack occurred.

As she approached the entrance to the Manor House complex she noticed a youth standing in the road waving his hands. She stopped and was approached by the youth.

After becoming suspicious, she tried to ride off. But two more youths, who had been hiding nearby, appeared and prevented her escape.

"One of them grabbed me by the arm and hit me with a baton,'' she said. "It threw me clear off my bike. They said "give us your money'', I had $60 and they took off.

"It was such a shock. You think it was a safe neighbourhood. I am okay now but it was pretty scary.'' After sitting shocked on the side of the road for a while, the woman tried to call the Police at a nearby friend's house, but eventually drove home where her house mates raised the alarm.

Police media spokesman P.c. Allan Oliver warned women travelling alone to keep going if they believe a situation is suspicious.

He said there may be cases in which the people have good intentions, but it is not always easy to determine between the two.

"Do not stop until you reach your destination,'' he said. "When possible travel with someone. There is safety in numbers.'' The youths were all described as being in their late teens with dark brown skin, around five-feet, six-inches tall. And all of them were wearing black clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Eastern CID on 297-1122.