Woman attacked by masked man in Cirencester park

Police are looking for a man wearing a black puffer jacket, face covering and black gloves

Police are searching for a suspect who sexually assaulted a woman in a Gloucestershire park.

The incident happened in City Bank Park, Cirencester, at 14:00 GMT on Thursday. Gloucestershire Police says the man has been described as white and was wearing black clothing.

The man had approached the woman from behind and then threatened her with a knife, police said.

Det Sgt Sophie Dawkins described the incident as a "terrifying attack".

The force added the man was wearing a hooded top with the hood up, a snood, tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers.

The victim was assessed at the scene by paramedics and did not require hospital treatment.

The offender fled in the direction of Watermoor Road, police said. Police believe he and the victim do not know each other.

Anyone who lives in the surrounding area who may have CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to contact officers.

Det Sgt Sophie Dawkins said: "This was a terrifying attack and we are working hard to locate the man who was responsible.

"During the early stages of the investigation we had been told a man had also followed a woman near to Tesco Express on Chesterton Lane this afternoon.

"Following further enquiries, we are no longer treating this as being connected to the incident, and no crime is believed to have occurred on that occasion.

"House to house enquiries are taking place in the area and there will continue to be a visible police presence."

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