Woman sexually assaulted by cyclist while out jogging
A woman was sexually assaulted by a man on a bike while she was out jogging in Leominster.
The assault happened at about 7pm on Monday night on Owen Way in the town.
The victim was jogging along Southern Avenue onto Enterprise Way when she became aware of a man following behind her on a bicycle. She continued running to Owen Way within Enterprise Park in the direction of the 'old' Hereford Road.
A police spokesman said: "The suspect then rode up to the victim and has grabbed her and inappropriately touched her. Using the momentum of the bike, the suspect carried the victim two-to-three metres before the victim managed to get away. The suspect then grabbed the victim by the forearm, pulling her towards him and he sexually assaulted the victim again. He then pushed the victim to the ground and assaulted her further.
"The victim got away and ran back along the route she had just come from in the direction of Leominster Police Station. The suspect then made off in an unknown direction."
The suspect is described as a white male, about 5 ft 7 inches tall and of a slim build. He was thought to be approximately 25-years-old, with dark brown cropped hair and clean shaven. He had a noticeable scar above his left eye down to the cheek measuring about 6cm long and 1cm wide. He also thought to have an Eastern European accent.
Officers are particularly interested in speaking to a man and a woman who were walking dogs near to the roundabout by Southern Avenue and the entrance to Enterprise Way at the time the suspect was following the victim on his bicycle.
A learner driver passed the victim in a white car as she jogged along Southern Avenue. It is possible that these people may have knowledge need to be identified as they may be able to provide a more full description of the suspect.
Anybody who may have witnessed the incident recognises the description of themselves above or may have any further information should call police on 101 quoting incident reference number 617s of Monday 31st August.
Information can also be given anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or on their website.
West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) provides a free, independent and confidential specialist support service for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse either recent or non-recent. For further information please contact our main office on 01905 611655 or email: office@wmrsasc.org.uk
You can also contact the Glade which offers a service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas. 24-hour self-referral number: 0808 178 2058. Website: http://www.theglade.org.uk/
