Hunt for Valentine's Day sex attacker (From The Argus)
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Hunt for Valentine's Day sex attacker
2:30pm Friday 17th February 2012 in News
Police at the scene of the sex attack in Steyning
Police are hunting a sex attacker who struck in a dark alley near a school.
The victim, a 34-year-old woman from the Worthing area, was grabbed from behind as she walked through the alley alone at about 8pm.
The traumatised woman heard footsteps behind her in the seconds before the attack near Steyning Grammar School on Tuesday evening (February 14).
Today the victim is set to undergo video interviews with police, having already agreed to medical examinations.
Officers hope that DNA evidence could lead them to the suspect.
The attack took place between Middle Mead and Breach Close, Steyning, with the suspect running away in the direction of Coxham Lane.
Detective Sergeant Colin O’Hare said: “She was subjected to a very serious sexual assault.”
He explained how the victim heard “footsteps behind her” before she was grabbed.
“She does not know how long the attack lasted for but it was quick,” he said.
“We do not know who attacked her but are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area and looking for any CCTV images.”
The victim contacted police on Wednesday, February 15 a day after the assault.
Yesterday (February 16) the area was cordoned off by police for forensic examinations.
The suspect is 5ft 8in and was wearing dark coloured trousers and a hooded top, with either a hood or hat on.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
