Police hunt man who injured woman in suburb sex attack

Police patrols have been stepped up in the Acomb area of the city after the 18-year-old victim was attacked in the field which links Westfield Place and Grange Lane on Saturday evening.

The teenager suffered scratches, cuts and bruises to her face and body and she has been left "very shaken" by her ordeal, according to a North Yorkshire Police spokesman.

The victim was yesterday being cared for by her family and police officers while the investigation continues.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, who is leading the investigation, confirmed a number of lines of inquiry are being pursued.

Det Supt Raw 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."

House-to-house inquiries were continuing yesterday evening and crime scene investigators have been carrying out extensive searches around the field, in particular a mound area where the attack is believed to have taken place.

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

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

Det Supt Raw added: "In particular, the description of the suspect is very detailed and I am hoping this will lead us to the man in question."

Anyone with information about the attack, which happened between 6.50pm and 8pm on Saturday, can contact York CID on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.