York sex attack: Police issue description of suspect
Police investigating a serious sexual assault have released a description of the suspect.
A woman in her 60s was attacked in York on Tuesday (January 2). Police described it as “an horrendous attack on a vulnerable woman”.
Detectives have renewed their appeal for information as further details of the suspect have come to light.
They have issued this description:
Have you seen him?
The suspect is…
| around 5ft 9ins or 5ft 10ins tall | |
| of thin build | |
| with dark hair | |
| a dark, olive complexion | |
| and he possibly had a well-groomed beard. |
He was wearing
| a dark-coloured baseball cap | |
| dark clothing | |
| and jeans. |
Attacked and robbed
The victim was with the man at around 7pm near Lendal Bridge.
She then walked with the man, down the side of the River Ouse in the direction of Scarborough Bridge, passing the Esplanade car park and the Post Office building on her left hand side.
The victim and the man then crossed over Scarborough Bridge and, once over the bridge, continued walking alongside the river, out of town towards the back of St Peter’s School and Clifton Bridge.
When they approached the back of the school, the man subjected the woman to a serious sexual and physical assault and stole money from her.
Detective Inspector Alan Rowan, who is leading the investigation for North Yorkshire Police, said: “Anyone who thinks they may know this man, or saw anyone matching his description in the area around the time of the incident, needs to come forward.
“This was an horrendous attack on a vulnerable woman, and any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be very valuable to our investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police.
How to help the police
| Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room | |
| Or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 |
| Quote reference number 12180001044 |