A 13-year-old schoolgirl was sexually assaulted while walking to school through Nunnery Wood in Worcester on Tuesday morning, and police are investigating the attempted rape.
The teenager was approached by a man at around 8.15am and managed to fight him off as he allegedly attempted to rape her. West Mercia Police described the suspect as mixed race or Asian and aged between 16 and 18, and officers are hunting a male seen wearing all-dark clothing. It is believed the girl did not know her attacker.
Investigation underway
Chief Inspector Dan Pilkington told the BBC that it was thought the suspect followed the girl "for a short time through the woods before he forced her into the trees". He added: "We now know that the victim was a 13-year-old schoolgirl on her way to school that morning. The victim in this investigation remains our priority and is being supported by specially trained officers as we work to find the person responsible."
The youngster had been making her way along a footpath through the woods between the hospital and Nunnery Wood High School, reports the Express. A significant number of officers were sent to the area and completed searches of the woods and surrounding areas, according to Pilkington's statement issued by police.
School and college response
The school informed parents in a letter that it would speak to pupils "about the incident and guidance about getting home". It added: "They will be told to avoid the Nunnery Wood area, to stay on residential roads and to walk [or] cycle with others."
Worcester Sixth Form College urged students to walk with friends wherever possible, stick to well-lit routes and report any suspicious behaviour to staff or police. The college stated: "Whilst we do not wish students to be alarmed, we feel it is important to reinforce good personal safety habits and encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings."
Appeal for information
Pilkington said: "Enquiries are ongoing to identify the suspect, who was described as mixed race or Asian, a teenager - believed to be between 16 and 18 years of age - and was wearing all black. Officers will be continuing to carry out enquiries, collating CCTV to progress the investigation and will be providing a visible presence in the area. We thank local residents for their cooperation yesterday and extend our appreciation to the public for getting in contact with us and sharing our appeal."
The force is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 78i of 10 November, should they have any details that could assist with the ongoing investigation.
