Warning: Graphic content may disturb some readers
A Saskatchewan woman has had both of her legs amputated following a vicious attack that left her with third-degree burns and severe facial lacerations.
Marlene Bird of Prince Albert, Sask. remains in hospital nearly two weeks after the attack. The 47-year-old was found with life-threatening injuries in a Prince Albert parking lot outside a community centre on June 1.
Bird's aunt Lorna Thiessen said her niece's face was so swollen after the attack that she was unrecognizable.
"We couldn't recognize her face. Her face was just swollen and beaten," Thiessen told CTV Saskatoon.
Thiessen said Bird suffered severe lacerations from her forehead to her chin.
"Half of her face had to be stitched back on," she said.
"Everybody who has seen her, close family members, have just had nightmares," Thiessen continued.
The Prince Alberta YWCA said Bird, who is homeless, would often come and go from the shelter.
"We can't sugar-coat this," YWCA executive director Donna Brooks said. "This was a horrific, violent attack against one of our most vulnerable people in our society. It was senseless, unnecessary and the public does need to hear this."
The Prince Albert Police Service has given few details about their investigation.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and have asked witnesses to come forward. No arrests have been made.
With a report from CTV Saskatoon's Christeen Jesse
