Woman assaulted by man in black face mask whilst walking her dog in Heysham

Police say the woman was grabbed from behind and assaulted whilst walking on a footpath between Meldon Road and Oxcliffe Road, near Heysham Nature Reserve.

The woman, who is in her 30s, had been walking alone on the footpath when she was attacked at around 8.30pm on Saturday (July 18).

The woman said she was approached from behind and grabbed roughly by the neck. She managed to fend off her attacker, but was then thrown into a bush. The woman has suffered significant bruising and has been left extremely distressed by the attack.

The suspect is described as a man, wearing a black hoody and a black face mask.

No arrest has been made at this stage, but police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

DS Sam Johnson, of West CID, said: "This was a sinister incident which has left the victim rightfully distressed.

"An investigation is underway and we are appealing for anyone in the area at the time, who may have seen a male matching the description to get in touch.

"We are also appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage covering the area at that time to get in contact.

"Whilst this is being treated as an isolated incident at this stage, we have stepped up reassurance patrols in the area."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log 577 of July 19, 2020.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.