Police appeal after sex attack in York

The incident happened in a field which links Westfield Place and Grange Lane in the Acomb area between 6.50pm and 8pm.

The victim, who is being cared for by her family, suffered scratches, cuts and bruises to her face and body in the attack and has been left shaken.

Crime scene investigators have been carrying out extensive inquiries in and around the field. House-to-house enquiries in the neighbourhood are also taking place and police patrols have been stepped up.

The suspect was described as being a white man, in his late 20s, about 5ft 5in to 5ft 8in tall, of a medium build, with dark cropped hair, thin lips and a rounded chin with stubble.

He has a deep voice and a Yorkshire accent and was wearing a dark-coloured Puffa-style jacket and light-coloured bottoms.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, who is leading the investigation, said: "This type of incident is rare in a safe place like York, but the victim and her family can be assured that North Yorkshire Police will do everything possible to catch the suspect and bring him to justice.

"The investigation is following a number of lines of inquiry at this time. An important aspect of this is an appeal for potential witnesses or anyone with information that could help the police inquiry to come forward as soon as possible.

"In particular, the description of the suspect is very detailed and I am hoping this will lead us to the man in question. Please, if this has raised suspicion on a certain individual, then you must contact the police or Crimestoppers without delay."

Witnesses or anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact York police on 0845 60 60 24 7 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.