Woman sustains injuries after struggling with offender during sexual assault in Iver, Buckinghamshire
A woman was injured after struggling with an offender during a sexual assault on the tow path of the Grand Union Canal near Iver, South Buckinghamshire on Sunday 17th April 2016.
The 30 year old victim was jogging along the southern side of the Grand Union Canal towards Cowley at about 1.00pm when she was passed by a motorcyclist on a scrambler motorbike.
About five minutes later, as she was running between two bridges on the tow path opposite Farlows Lake near where the Colne Brook enters the canal, she saw the motorcyclist stopped ahead.
As the victim ran past the motorcyclist he grabbed her, pulled her to ground and inappropriately touched her over her clothing.
The victim struggled with the offender and ran off. The woman sustained minor injuries, including a bloody nose, grazed right elbow, grazed right hip and cuts to both of her knees.
The offender is described as white, in his thirties, about 5ft 8ins, slim, with pale brown/dark blonde short hair and distinctive pale grey eyes. He was wearing a light grey hooded top and dark grey baggy trousers. The scrambler motorbike had an ‘L’ plate on the rear.
Investigating officer Det Con Lucie Roberts, of Force CID based in Aylesbury, said: ‘This was a very frightening and distressing incident for the victim. Although the area is quite remote, the victim saw two cyclists pass her at the same time as the motorcyclist at around 1.00pm, shortly before the incident happened.
After the assault the woman approached a fisherman on the canal side and used his phone to call police. We are keen to speak to the cyclists, fisherman or anyone else who may have any information about the offender or vehicle.
While the local community will understandably be concerned, I would like to reassure residents that officers will be conducting extra patrols and we are investigating this thoroughly.‘
Thames Valley Police have launched an appeal for information in relation to the incident. Anyone with any information that could help the police with their enquiries is asked to call the 24 hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
