The 20-year-old woman was grabbed by the muscular attacker in broad daylight on a secluded, tree-lined path at Holmebrook Valley Park at about 8.30am on Sunday.

Insp Ian Palfreyman said: "The offender was walking towards this woman when he grabbed and sexually assaulted her.

"She bravely fought him off and kicked him in the groin before he heard a dog-walker and fled towards the park pavilion.

"The woman was not injured but was very shocked by her ordeal which could have been worse had it not been for her courageous struggle."

The terrified woman, who lives in the town, phoned her mother who alerted police and a manhunt has been launched to catch the man amid fears he could strike again.

He was described as 6ft tall, aged 20, of muscular-build, with black shaven hair, a goatee beard, a scar on his chin, blackened teeth, a local accent and was wearing a black tracksuit.

Police have been carrying out forensic examinations at the scene of the crime with patrols of the park to trace potential witnesses, including a man with a sheepdog and two male joggers who were in the area at the time.

Officers are also warning women to take precautions such as walking in groups, avoiding secluded areas, alerting friends and relatives of their movements and arming themselves with rape alarms.

Precautions

Insp Palfreyman added: "We don't want people to panic and everyone should be encouraged to keep using parks especially during this good weather but they should take basic and sensible precautions."

% Witnesses should call Det Sgt Steve Warren at Derbyshire Constabulary on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


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