Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault on a woman in Leeds have released CCTV footage of the suspect near to the scene.
Officers from Leeds District CID are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries into the attack on a 24-year-old woman which took place at about 1.50am on Saturday (30/11) in an alleyway off Woodhouse Lane close to the junction with St Mark’s Avenue.
The man fled the scene after he was disturbed by a passer-by who went to the victim’s aid.
He was described as white, aged in his late twenties, thin build, with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.
Initial checks on CCTV have shown the suspect walking at the junction of Woodhouse Lane and Clarendon Road shortly before the incident. The woman shown obscured in the footage is not the victim.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “While the CCTV footage doesn’t give us a clear facial image of the suspect, it shows his general appearance, clothing and the way he walks.
“We are very keen to hear from anyone who recognises that individual or who has any information that could assist in identifying him.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has seen him in the area at any time before or after the attack, or anyone else he may have approached during that time.
“The nature of this offence is disturbing and we are working hard to identify and arrest this man at the earliest opportunity.
“We are continuing to liaise with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who have increased their patrols of the area to provide suitable reassurance to the local community, who will be understandably concerned at this incident. We are also are continuing to support the victim who was left very distressed.
“I would urge anyone who has seen this man in the area or who has any information, no matter how insignificant the think it might be, to contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190614215 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
