Police link sex attacker to city assault unsolved for 25 years

A MAN still wanted for an unsolved sex attack in a Sheffield suburb more than a year ago may also have struck in the same area during the 1980s, police revealed last night.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Mar 2011, 06:00 BST

Detectives have been investigating a sexual assault on a 39-year-old woman during October 2009 but have been unable to solve the case and have now issued a computerised e-fit image of a man they are trying to trace.

They now believe the same man may have been responsible for another unsolved sexual assault, dating back to August 1985 in The Dale, a short distance away.

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Officers have not released details of why they are linking the two incidents, but advances in DNA genetic technology means scientists can now identify samples from historic crime scenes which would previously have been of little use to investigators.

In the most recent incident, an assault took place in the Cobnar Road/Chesterfield Road area of Woodseats, involving a man described as being aged 45 to 50, white, tanned and around 5ft 8in.

He was of large, muscular build, with brown eyes, short brown, greying hair and a thin mouth, with tattoos of a creature on his forearm.

That may have been a swallow or scorpion design.

No details have been made public of the circumstances of the assault, however.

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A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Officers also believe this man may be able to assist them with their investigation into a separate alleged sexual assault which occurred in August 1985 in The Dale in Woodseats.

“We are appealing to anyone who has any information to come forward and speak to us in confidence.”

The Dale is only yards away from the scene of the most recent incident, on the opposite side of Chesterfield Road, and South Yorkshire Police are now appealing for assistance from the public, with information about either crime or those who believe they recognise the man pictured.

Information can be supplied directly to Sheffield CID on 0114 2202020, quoting incident number 626 of March 14, 2011, or callers can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

Anyone providing information leading to an arrest and conviction may qualify for a cash reward, which can also be paid anonymously.