Another person has been attacked in a series of violent assaults in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood, which police are calling unprovoked and increasingly frightening.

Daniel Chiarelli, 45, was attacked from behind while walking in the Maynard Avenue and Leopold Street area early Tuesday morning. The pummelling only stopped when someone in a nearby building scared the attacker off.

"I saw him out of the corner of my eye and thought it was kind of suspicious and quickened my step, but I'm a little older and he obviously can run a lot faster than me. There was no chance I could get away," Chiarelli told CTV Toronto on Tuesday.

Six area residents have been attacked since January, one fatally. George Wass, 62, died on March 21, three days after he was attacked.

A coroner ruled that Wass died of blunt force trauma to the chest, which he sustained during the attack.

One day after his attack, Chiarelli said he was very aware of how lucky he was to escape with just scrapes and bruises. He told CTV Toronto that he fears what could have happened had it not been for the intervention of a neighbour.

"Whoever that person was I thank them because it could have been a lot worse," he said.

In the other attacks dating back to early January of 2011, police allege a single suspect targeted area residents who suffered from mental health issues.

While Chiarelli does not have mental health issues, Toronto police says the attack shares many key similarities with the previous five assaults. The suspect covers his face with a piece of clothing or balaclava and attacks when his victim has his back turned.

"They are basically rushed, punched in the face. The victim falls to the ground and there's an onslaught of punches and kicks while the victims are down," said Toronto Police Const. Tony Vella.

"The common denominators are the area, the MO is exactly the same, and there's absolutely no indication this is a robbery."

Investigators are looking for a man described as between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10, with a medium build. He has previously been described as wearing a black balaclava, dark clothing and, in two of the attacks, riding a dark−coloured mountain bike with no fenders.

Toronto police are asking anyone with information about any of the assaults to contact police at 11 Division directly at 416−808−1100. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling Crime Stoppers at 416−222−TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com. The public can also text TOR and any relevant information to CRIMES (274637).

With a report from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson