Three men sought following sexual assault

Police are seeking three men in connection with the serious sexual assault of a woman in Leeds.

The attack happened around 7:30pm on Tuesday night. A 37-year-old was walking along an alley on Meadow Road in Garforth, after getting off a bus, when three unknown men approached her.

One of the men grabbed the woman as she tried to pass and he hit her head against the wall. She was then subjected to a serious sexual assault.

The woman received minor physical injuries during the attack and police said that she was "extremely shaken".

West Yorkshire Police said that moments after the attack, while the suspects were still present, a woman walking a Labrador dog walked past, and they said that they were keen to speak to the woman, as well as any other potential witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Steve Payne, from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, is leading the investigation. He said: "This is an extremely rare occurrence and it is essential that the community do all that they can to help this investigation. The attacker was in a group of three men who may have followed the woman off the number 18 bus, which stopped on Aberford Road, or they may have been hanging around the area. Anyone who believes they may recognise the description of the men should contact police immediately.

"I am also appealing to the two men that are believed to have witnessed the attack. I would strongly recommend that they come forward now and make things a lot easier for themselves.

"My final appeal is to the woman walking her dog. You may believe that you just saw a lone woman who appeared upset, but we still need to speak with you. We believe that the attackers were still nearby at the time. It's essential that this woman comes forward as soon as possible."

The main suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6ft, aged about 37-years-old, of medium build, with short, shaved brown hair. He wore dark, cloth material; tracksuit bottoms with a velcro fastening at the bottom of the leg and white trainers with prominent stitching and slightly dirty white laces.

There is no description of the second male, however, the third man is described as being white, in his mid to late twenties, with blond hair, short back and sides with fringe sticking up. He was wearing jeans, a blue hooded sweatshirt top with a white stripe on the hood and black, brogue-style, lace-up shoes.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killingbeck Police Station on: 0113 2413659 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)