Sex attack on young woman near University of York sparks police hunt

A young woman has been raped on a footpath near the University of York.
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North Yorkshire Police have launched an appeal over the incident, which saw a woman in her 20s attacked on the public path leading to Walmgate Stray, behind the university campus in Heslington, York, on Friday May 13 at around 2.15am. It was reported to police on May 23.

The suspect is described as black, of medium build, aged between 20 to 30 and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

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Police are investigating the incident and are urging anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anyone matching the description to contact them.

Detective Inspector Mark Pearson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “We appreciate that time has passed since the attack, but I would ask people, particularly students at the university, to cast their minds back to the early hours of Friday May 13 and contact us if they have any information that could help our investigation.”

The victim is currently receiving support from specially trained officers and partner agencies, while extra police patrols are being staged in the area.

Det Insp Pearson added: “Sexual attacks by strangers are rare, however, when they do occur, they can cause alarm in the local community.

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“Our advice to anyone who studies, lives or works in the area is to adhere to our usual safety advice when out and about at night.

“Always stick together with your friends and get a taxi home.”

Anyone with information that may aid police is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 12160089860, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.