Detectives today (Wednesday, 30 April) released further details about a serious sexual assault at Cookley, near Kidderminster, including a full description of the man they are hunting.
The attack on a woman took place on the canal towpath just off Bridge Road by the Cookley tunnel (also known as Bridge 23) between 10.10am and 10.30am on Monday, 28 April.
Police have been working with the victim to build up a profile of the offender who was white with a pale complexion, aged about 20, not more than 6 feet tall, of slim to medium build and had what was described as messy dark brown hair.
He was wearing a cream or grey, short sleeved T-shirt with the ‘Bench’ logo in large white lettering across the chest. He was also wearing black Adidas tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the outside of the legs and white, lace-up trainers.
After the attack he made off in the Kidderminster direction towards Lock House and Debdale bridge. He may have been covered in mud.
A dedicated team of detectives from Kidderminster CID are investigating and posters appealing for information were being distributed at local shops and businesses today while other officers are engaged in house to house inquiries. Targeted high visibility patrols are taking place to provide residents with additional reassurance.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Marsden, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a serious sexual assault which has had a big impact in a small quiet community. It was traumatic for the victim and we are providing her with the support she needs through our partner agencies.
“We have been working closely with her to build up a picture of the offender and we are hoping the additional detail we have now been able to release about him, including what he was wearing, will jolt someone’s memory or bring forward information which could help identify him.
“We have had a good response to our appeals so far and have been successful in tracing a cyclist who rode past the victim shortly before the assault and contacted us after seeing the publicity about it.
“We are grateful to everyone who has contacted us and we will be following up all the information we have received. However there were possibly others in the area including anglers and people on narrowboats who may have seen or heard something related to this incident and we also need them to come forward. The smallest detail could make all the difference.
“Our officers are likely to be in that area for some time I can assure people that we are doing everything we possibly can to identify the individual concerned and bring him to justice.”
“Anyone with information should call Kidderminster CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 172-S-280414. Details may also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.