Police appeal after man pushes woman into alleyway and tries to attack her

The 18-year-old victim was walking home alone from a night out with friends along the High Street when she heard someone running up behind her.

She turned round and was grabbed by the stranger who pushed her into an alley between Robert Street and Frances Street, causing her to drop her mobile phone which she was using.

The man tried to force her to the ground and remove some of her clothing but the teenager struggled and started screaming. Her attacker then ran off, leaving her shaken but uninjured.

The suspect is white, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, and between 5ft 5in and 5ft 7in tall. He had “chiselled” cheekbones, a thin face and dark blonde or light brown hair and was wearing a dark top with long sleeves.

The incident happened between 2.30am and 3.10am on Friday, December 23, though police put out details only yesterday.

Detective Constable April Cook said: “This was a potentially serious but isolated incident in which it appears that a male tried to push an 18-year-old woman into an alley and assault her.

“Thankfully he did not get his way this time as the victim struggled and screamed out forcing the suspect to run from the scene.

“An investigation is under way and we have already carried out a number of inquiries however we are asking for anyone who may have been in the High Street area during the time of the incident who may have seen a man in a hurry to leave the area to come forward as they may be able to help our investigation.”