Pandemonium erupted at a popular Melbourne casino recently as former supermodel Rachel Hunter was attacked.

The assault, which took place last Monday, was unprovoked and was carried out by an Australian woman who appeared to be mentally unstable at the time.

Despite receiving kicks and scratches in the short struggle the ex-wife of British singer Rod Stewart was not seriously injured though onlookers say she was shocked by the premeditated assault.

The serious incident occurred when Hunter (38) was walking through the foyer of Melbourne's Crown Towers casino and hotel on Monday night.

The Sports Illustrated stunner was in the area to attend the Melbourne Cup carnival when she was kicked in the back by a woman and knocked to the floor.

Hotel staff reported that the woman ran up from behind to perform the assault, then ran off with one of the workers giving chase and catching her outside the building.

After being interviewed regarding the incident, New Zealand born Hunter told police that she did not wish to press charges.

The motive for the attack is unclear, but the woman who police confirmed was not armed, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for psychological assessment.

Apart from the bizarre attack, Hunter's five-day visit to Melbourne was unmarred.

Since her split from aging rock star Rod Stewart in 1999 the 5 ft 10 inch bombshell has courted controversy.

In March of this year she slammed Beyonce Knowles for her singing aspirations stating that actresses and musicians who cross over into the arena of modeling are depriving real models the opportunity to shine.

In the last number of years she has been romantically linked with amongst others Bruce Willis, Kevin Costner, Robbie Williams, Wes Scantlin and Tommy Lee.

Hunter is currently dating Canadian Jarret Stoll of the Edmonton Oilers ice hockey team. Ironically having been 24 years younger than former husband Rod Stewart, Hunter is 13 years older than her latest catch.