DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a 20-year-old woman was assaulted in Rickmansworth on Monday evening (April 27th). The victim had been walking from the train station through a dark alley off Nightingale Road shortly before 10pm when she was approached by a man from the opposite end of the alleyway. The man approached the woman first by walking past her before coming back behind the victim and putting his hands around her throat and mouth. He then forced his thumb into her mouth before forcing her to the floor. The victim then bit his finger before the offender released his grip and made off in an unknown direction. The man is described as white, in his mid fifties and around 5 ft 7" tall with greying sideburns. He is of a large build particularly around the waist and was wearing a black beanie hat, blue jeans and dark coloured tracksuit top. Detective Constable Judith Muskett, who is investigating the incident, said: "This type of incident is extremely rare in Rickmansworth but I would urge females to take extra care when out and about especially in the dark. This was an unprovoked attack which was terrifying for the victim. I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible."
"Perhaps you were in the area at the time, did you se or hear anything or witness a man running away from the scene? I would urge anyone with any information at all to contact us without delay." Anyone with information can contact DC Muskett on 0845 33 00 222 - alternatively ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
