Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in a Farsley park have released a description of the suspect.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are now leading the investigation into the incident involving a 15-year-old girl in Hainsworth Park at about 7.30pm on Monday.
The victim has described the suspect as a white man, aged 25 to 30, 6ft 1in tall, with brown or black hair and possibly a beard. He was wearing black clothing.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Amanda Wimbles said:
“We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to trace and identify this man.
“CCTV from the area shows that the park was busy at the time of the attack on Monday evening, and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or saw a man fitting the description in the area.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with relevant CCTV from the immediate area or dashcam footage.
“The victim has reported speaking to a woman who had a child and a labradoodle dog with her in the park shortly before the incident. We are still very keen to trace this woman as a witness who may have vital information that could assist the investigation.
“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable concern in the community, and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are maintaining an increased presence in the area to reassure people.”
Earlier today police said they were looking to trace a potential witness to the attack – a woman who was with a child and a Labradoodle dog.
Enquiries suggest she spoke to the 15-year-old victim shortly before the incident.
Officers are keen for this woman to speak with them and would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of the incident, or who has any information that could assist the investigation.
Police say they were first made aware of the assault at 6.37pm on Tuesday. A cordon has been in place in Hainsworth Park as a police forensics combed the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET via 101 quoting Operation Platewick crime reference 13220321683 or online via www.westyorkshire.police/101livechat.
