Silent attacker assaulted girl as she left school in York

A 15-year-old girl fought off a man who attacked her as she left school in York today (Friday).
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The teenager was leaving the grounds of Joseph Rowntree School on Haxby Road, New Earswick, at about 4pm when a man walked up to her and assaulted her.

Police said she fought back, biting him on the hand, and he left the scene. He did not speak during the attack.

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The girl was uninjured but very shaken up, police said. She was attended to by a paramedic at the school as a precaution.

Insp Steve Breen, of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim and we are providing specialist support to her.

“She has provided a good description of the attacker and I urge anyone who recognises him from this description to contact North Yorkshire Police.

“Reassurance patrols will continue in the area and we are asking pupils, parents and local people to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or activity to the police.

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“I also urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw the attack happen, saw anyone loitering around the school or can help the police to identify the offender, to come forward as a matter of urgency.”

The man was white, aged in his mid to late twenties, thin build and had dark circles under his eyes.

He was wearing a dark hooded top with yellow writing on the front, dark trousers with white stripes up to the knees and dirty white trainers.

Officers have carried out extensive searches in the area and said enquiries would continue over the weekend.

Call North Yorkshire Police on 101.