Police appeal after attempted rape in Liskeard

Detectives have released an e-fit image of a man they would like to trace

Detectives have released an e-fit image of a man they wish to trace in relation to an attempted rape in Cornwall.

At about 12:00 GMT on 27 March, a woman was walking in woodland in Lake Lane, Liskeard, when she was followed by two men who began to shout abuse at her, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Both of the men caught up with the victim who was then assaulted with one of the men trying to pull down her trousers, the force said. The woman managed to escape and get help from members of the public, officers added.

A 27-year-old man, of no fixed abode, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and is currently in custody, police said.

'House-to-house inquiries'

Detectives said an investigation was launched as soon as the incident was reported to them.

Det Con Max Smith said: "We have covered numerous inquiries, including CCTV trawls and house-to-house inquiries and we are now releasing this image with the hope that someone recognises the person pictured.

"The male is described as being a white man, aged in his early 20s, and of a very thin build.

"He was wearing a matching navy tracksuit which was zipped up to the chin and had a large hood. He had a gaunt appearance with dark, sunken eyes.

"We are also trying to trace a female dog walker who kindly came to the victim's aid after the incident.

"She has been described to be in her late 40s with straight blond hair and was wearing a multi-coloured jacket. She was walking three dogs."