Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman, aged in her 20s, was sexually assaulted on a popular countryside path in Rawdon, Leeds.
The victim was walking on Cliffe Drive, shortly before 7pm on Sunday, when a man grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.
The man, who was wearing all black clothing had his face partially covered by a mask or snood, was disturbed when the victim’s phone rang.
He ran away, further down Cliffe Drive, and the victim ran across Rawdon golf course and called her friend. Once she had made it home she called the police.
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The man was described as being aged in his twenties to forties.
Detectives have set up a scene around the muddy, tree-lined section of Cliffe Drive where the attack happened.
Detective Inspector Amanda Wimbles, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are treating this incident very seriously and are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the man responsible for this attack.
“The victim has been left distressed, and we have specially-trained officers supporting her.
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“A scene is currently in place on the part of Cliffe Drive where the incident occurred, to undergo specialist searches.
“This is an area of countryside that is popular for walks and we would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around sunset when the incident occurred and saw anything that could assist the investigation.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have noticed someone hanging around or acting suspiciously in the area at any other time.
“We appreciate that an incident of this nature will cause understandable concern in the local community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their patrols of the area to reassure people.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting Operation Pettydon or crime reference 13120141650 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
