Appeal: Serious Sexual Assault- Hunslet, Leeds.
Sunday, 14 June, 2015
Police are appealing for information after a 54-year-old local woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in the Hunslet area of Leeds on Saturday night (13 June 2015).
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Dunkerley, from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said:
“The incident is believed to have taken place around 11.20pm on a disused rail line, close to the junction of Tulip Street and Beza Road and opposite the Tulip Retail Park.
“At this stage we believe the male suspect may have been in conversation with the victim earlier in the evening outside The Engine public house. This is thought to have occurred around 11pm, when the suspect, who is described as a white male in his early to mid-twenties who was riding a bicycle, spoke to the victim and said that a number of distinctive cuts on his hands had been due to a domestic argument with his wife.
“A short time later the victim walked up Arthington Grove towards the retail park where she saw a bicycle leant up against some vegetation. At this point the victim was grabbed from behind and forced onto the railway line where the assault took place.
“The suspect was later seen to flee the scene on a bicycle but it was unclear as to which direction he left the area.
“I am very keen to identify the suspect who was riding a bike and had a number of distinctive cuts to his hands. He is thought to have spoken with a local accent and I believe he will be familiar with the local area. If you know this man please contact police. I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen someone matching the description of the suspect earlier in the evening close to The Engine public house.
“Incidents like this understandably cause concern in the local community and I would like to reassure local residents that we are treating this incident very seriously and all the necessary resources are being directed towards this investigation. Additional neighbourhood patrols are also in the area to reassure local people.
“The victim, who sustained a number of injures which required medical treatment, is continuing to be supported by specially trained officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via: 101 and quoting crime log number: 1809 from the 13 June. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crime stoppers on: 0800 555 111
