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Warning over sex attacker
| Published: 2nd July 2009 19:34 |
Police are asking women and dog walkers in the Bramhall Park and Ladybrook Valley areas to take extra precautions after a spate of sex assaults.
Officers have stepped up patrols with uniformed and plain-clothed officers in the area after three attacks in the last month.
Detectives have today, Thursday 2 July 2009, also issued an e-fit of the man suspected of carrying out the attacks.
It is believed the offender is targeting vulnerable woman, particularly dog walkers.
Officers are urging women to take the following extra precautions while walking in the area.
· Consider going out with a friend and try to avoid walking your dog alone.
· Try to keep to well-used areas.
· Avoid secluded paths or paths with large amount of overhanging bushes
In the most recent attack, at about 2.15pm on, Tuesday 30 June 2009, the 58-year-old victim was walking her dog in Bramhall Park when she walked past a man who was seen to be touching himself.
He then grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her before running off.
The first incident happened at about 10.30am on Thursday 4 June 2009 in Bramhall Park .
The 61-year-old victim was walking her two dogs along a footpath when she was pushed from behind to the floor and sexually assaulted. A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault was interviewed. He fully co-operated with the police and provided a confirmed alibi for his whereabouts at the time of the offence. As a result he has now been completely eliminated as a suspect.
The second incident happened in Bramhall Park at about 2.45pm on Friday 26 June 2009.
Again, the 74-year-old woman was walking her dog along a public footpath in wooded area, when a man appeared from the bushes and sexually assaulted her. When she shouted for help, he panicked and ran off.
Police are now investigating whether the same man is responsible for all attacks.
Chief Inspector Julian Snowball, based at Stockport police station, said: "We do not want to discourage people from walking their dogs in Bramhall Park, but we really them to aware of our simple safety tips.
"The description for the attacker in all cases is very similar and we believe they may be linked. He is clearly targeting vulnerable woman out walking their dogs.
"Clearly, there is going to be concern from women who use this area to walk their dogs and we fully understand their apprehension.
"I do not want to cause alarm or fear in the community, and the last thing we want people to do is stay indoors. Nevertheless, if you use the particular locations mentioned and surrounding areas to walk your dog, consider going with a friend and try to keep to well-used areas.
"If you do see anyone acting suspiciously, raise the alarm as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is asked to call Stockport CID on 0161 856 9755 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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