Man charged after girl fights off intruder at York school
Update, Sunday, November 30: A 27-year-old man has been charged with assault following an attack on a 15-year-old girl at a York school.
The man, who was arrested on Friday night, has been remanded in custody and will appear at York Magistrates’ Court on Monday (December 1).
The girl was assaulted as she left Joseph Rowntree School in York on Friday.
A police spokeswoman said: “We have had an excellent response to our appeal and our thanks go to those members of the public who have contacted us with information.”
From Friday, November 28
A 15-year-old girl fought off an intruder who assaulted her as she left school on Friday afternoon (November 28).
The girl was walking by herself out of the school grounds at about 4pm when she was approached by a man who assaulted her and put his hands on her head.
The girl fought back and bit the man on his hand. He did not speak to her and left the area when she told him to leave her alone.
Her attacker walked away in the direction of Haxby Road
The girl was physically uninjured in the attack but was left very shaken up. A paramedic attended to her at the school as a precaution.
The suspect is described as white, aged in his mid to late twenties, of thin build with dark circles under his eyes.
He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top with yellow writing on the front with the hood pulled up, dark coloured trousers with white stripes up to the knees and dirty white trainers.
It is likely that he will have a cut to his hand where he was bitten.
Officers have carried out extensive searches in the area and enquiries will continue over the weekend.
Frightening incident
“This was a frightening incident for the victim and we are providing specialist support to her,” said Inspector Steve Breen of York Safer Neighbourhood Team.
“She has provided a good description of the attacker and I urge anyone who recognises him from this description to contact North Yorkshire Police.
“Reassurance patrols will continue in the area and we are asking pupils, parents and local people to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or activity to the police.
“I also urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw the attack happen, saw anyone loitering around the school or can help the police to identify the offender, to come forward as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for York CID. Or email [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference 12140205848 when passing on information.