Appeal: Sexual Assault- Horsforth, Leeds

Thursday 26 July 2012

Police are appealing for information following a sexual assault on a 31-year-old local woman in the Horsforth area of Leeds.

The incident occurred around 06.40 on Sunday morning (22/7) as the victim was walking down the ginnel that connects Broadgate Walk to Broadgate Lane.

The suspect initially approached the victim and asked her for the time before pushing her against a wall and pulling at her trousers. During a struggle the suspect produced a knife and the victim sustained a small cut to her stomach. The suspect then made off on foot in the direction of Broadgate Lane.

After being treated in hospital for a small cut to her stomach the victim was released later the same day.

The suspect is described as an unkempt white male aged in 40s, medium build with short dark hair and stubble. He was wearing blue denim jeans and a blue denim jacket with a dark coloured t-shirt that had a white lined patterned on it.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Morgan, from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "These type of incidents by their very nature are rare but extremely serious.

"Fortunately the victim was able to offer some form of resistance and the suspect fled on foot. After speaking to specially trained officers we have a good description of the suspect and I would ask anyone with information to get in touch.

"Despite the incident taking place early on a Sunday morning there were still a number of people in the local area walking dogs, picking up a paper or perhaps catching a bus. I would appeal to those people to cast their mind back and speak to us if they saw anything suspicious."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via: 01924 334708 or via 101. Information can also be left anonymously and in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

A 46-year-old local man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail.