A woman in her 20s has been raped on a York footpath.
The woman was attacked in the early hours of Friday, May 13. It was reported to police on Monday (May 23).
The woman was on the public footpath that leads to Walmgate Stray, behind the university campus in Heslington, when she was attacked.
Have you seen him?
The suspect is…
black | |
of medium build | |
aged between 20 to 30 | |
and around 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall. |
He was wearing
a dark coloured hoodie top. |
Police are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident and are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anyone matching the description of the suspect, witnessed any suspicious behaviour or has any other information that could help the investigation, to contact them.
Detective Inspector Mark Pearson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said:
Were you out and about at the time, did you see anyone matching the man’s description?
The victim is receiving support from specially trained officers and partner agencies at this time.
Safety advice
Students spoke of their concerns about what had happened on the campus today.
One second year maths student said: “It’s worrying because I use this path a lot. I hope the person is found.”
“I try not to use this path at night,” another maths undergraduate told YorkMix. “I go another way home if it’s too dark.”
Det Insp Pearson said sexual attacks by strangers are rare, but cause widespread alarm.
“Our advice to anyone who studies, lives or works in the area is to adhere to our usual safety advice when out and about at night,” he said.
“Always stick together with your friends and get a taxi home. For students, the university security staff can help you with taxis and escorts across campus at night.”
The local policing team will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.
How to help the police
Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the Major Crime Unit. | |
Or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 |
Quote reference number 12160089860 |