PETALING JAYA, Malaysia: A 22-year-old Tanzanian student was brutally struck with a claw hammer 28 times at a fast food outlet off Jalan University, here, on Saturday.

As if that was not enough, her assailant - a taxi driver - attempted to run her over in the 4.30am incident.

Fortunately for her, the man's attempt was foiled when her friends managed to carry her away and place her in a car.

She was rushed to the University Malaya Medical Centre's emergency department for treatment.

Speaking to the New Straits Times yesterday, the private college student, who only wanted to be known as Pathy, said she was traumatised by the incident.

She said she and two friends were placing their orders at the counter of the fast food outlet when the man came up behind.

"It took a while for the cashier to take our orders and by this time, the agitated man behind us was rushing us and hurling vulgar words at us.

"Not wanting any trouble, I just turned around and told him to be patient since next would be his turn, but the man picked up a chair and slammed it on me. I fell to the ground."

With the help of a friend, Pathy said she was heading towards their car, when he struck again, this time with the claw hammer.

"He struck me like an animal. He just kept on hitting me mercilessly, over and over.

"Two of my friends tried to stop him but he threatened to hurt them as well," said the first-year business diploma student who passed out at the scene.

She suffered severe bruising all over, a torn lip and severe wounds on her leg.

She's outraged that the fast food outlet management did nothing to help her or even try to stop the man.

"The attack lasted at least 10 minutes but, surprisingly, nobody volunteered to help or even call the cops," she said.

Deputy Brickfields police chief Superintendent Azri Abdul Rahman said police picked up the 34-year-old taxi driver at his home.

"An identification parade was carried out and investigations are almost complete."