EAST BOSTON (CBS) - A woman was found beaten in East Boston early Wednesday morning.

The victim, who is believed to be in her 20's, was found by a neighbor at about 7 a.m. in a vacant lot on Webster Street. The victim was naked when found, and was rushed to Mass. General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"I came out on my deck, and looked down, and said 'Oh my God!' She was just lying there. And I thought she was dead," said "Patty," a resident of Webster Street in East Boston.

Shortly before "Patty" found the brutally-beaten body of the young woman, Sarah Izzo saw the victim's dog, sitting on the stoop.

WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports.

"It had on its leash, and I thought that was strange...then, a few steps away, I found a cell phone...but I didn't see (the victim)," said Izzo.

The attack occurred in Jeffries Point, which known as the third-safest neighborhood in Boston.

"Nothing like this has ever happened here, and I tell all the newcomers it's a safe neighborhood," said Marie Dioguardi, who has lived on Webster Street for over 60 years.

It may be that the victim was walking her dog, and was assaulted by a stranger.

Officers said they are investigating whether the victim was sexually assaulted.

"It's still a very active investigation," said Boston Police Superintendent Kelly Nee. "We have detectives on scene right now and I honestly don't have any further information, but it is a very active investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

WBZ-TV's Bill Shields contributed to this report.