Appeal after dogwalker attacked from behind
Written by Skywave Radio News on July 19, 2020

We are appealing for witnesses after a dog walker was grabbed from behind and assaulted while walking along a footpath in Heysham.
The incident happened at around 8.30pm yesterday (July 18) when the victim, who is in her 30s, was walking alone on a footpath between Meldon Road and Oxcliffe Road, which leads to Heysham Nature Reserve.
The victim was approached from behind and grabbed by the neck. She managed to fend off her attacker, but was then thrown into a bush. As a result of the attack the victim suffered significant bruising.
The suspect is described as a male, wearing a black hoody and a black face mask.
No arrest has been made at this stage and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
DS Sam Johnson, of West CID, said: “This was a sinister incident which has left the victim rightfully distressed. An investigation is underway and we are appealing for anyone in the area at the time, who may have seen a male matching the description to get in touch. We are also appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage covering the area at that time to get in contact.
“Whilst this is being treated as an isolated incident at this stage, we have stepped up reassurance patrols in the area.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log 577 of July 19, 2020. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.