Hunt for Ipswich sex attacker

POLICE in Ipswich are searching for a sex attacker today after a woman was assaulted in a town park.

The 54-year-old was power walking in Chantry Park when a man approached her, made sexual remarks and touched her in intimate areas over her clothes.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Sunday, July 2 but was not reported to police until Wednesday .

The victim was training for the Race for Life when the incident happened and was left badly shaken by the ordeal.

She was at the London Road end of the park when the man called out to her.

The victim thought she might have known the man but as he approached she did not recognise him.

She was then assaulted and her attacker tried to pick her up by her waist.

She shook him off and a family walked passed.

The man then ran off and the victim also ran away and hid in a bush.

She saw her attacker return to the area and look for her so she ran home.

Louise Rosher, spokeswoman for Ipswich police, said: “This is the first incident of this kind we have had reported in the area.

“We would advise people to be alert and be aware of what is happening around them in the park.

“We would also say to people to try not to walk alone at any time but there are times when that cannot be avoided.”

Police are appealing to the family seen by the woman to get in contact as they may hold vital information which could help with the investigation.

The attacker is described as white, 19-years-old, 6ft and of very slim build.

He was wearing a baseball cap and jeans and his victim said he spat on the floor a lot.

Anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who can identify the attacker, should call Pc Donna Whelan-Smith at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Have you noticed anything suspicious in the park? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.