Fresh appeal over '˜sinister' sex assault

Police have released an EvoFIT image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the sexual assault of a woman in St Annes.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Nov 2016, 10:37 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:13 BST
Police have issued this Evofit image in connection with a sexual assaultPolice have issued this Evofit image in connection with a sexual assault
Police have issued this Evofit image in connection with a sexual assault

The incident happened at around 9.10pm on Monday October 31st.

A 35-year-old woman was followed by a man as she walked by the Victoria Hotel on Church Road.

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As she approached the junction of Church Road and St Annes Road East, the man grabbed her, putting one arm across her chest and touched her inappropriately.

He then tried to drag her to a grassed area but she managed to fight him off and he then ran off.

DC Jonathan Hope-Ross from Blackpool CID said: “This attack was particularly sinister in that the man has followed the victim and it is lucky that she managed to fight him off or something even more serious may have happened to her.

“She is clearly very shaken by her ordeal and we need anyone who recognises this man to come forward and speak to us.

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“Similarly, if you saw anyone acting suspicious in the area at the time, I would urge you to get in touch.”

The offender is described as white, aged 18 to 19, 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build with a pale complexion. He was clean shaven and had flat, un-styled short dark hair.

Anyone with information can call DC Jonathan Hope-Ross or DC Lea Kelly on (01253) 604112. You can also ring 101 quoting crime reference WA1617032.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.