Police investigate sexually motivated attack

A woman who was attacked with a knife in a sexually motivated attack managed to fend off her attacker with a torch, police said.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack in Drumahoe in County Londonderry.

At around 10pm BST on Friday, a woman in her 20s was walking in Drumahoe Park when a man approached her from behind.

The man punched the woman in the side of the head, pulled her into nearby trees and pushed her to the ground with a knife, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

After a struggle, the woman managed to hit the attacker in the face several times with her torch before breaking free and running for help.

The PSNI responded immediately to search for the attacker but he had fled the scene.

Detective Inspector Ross Olphert said: “It is understandable that the victim has been left traumatized and extremely distressed by this ordeal.

“Our specialist officers continue to support her today and a full investigation is underway.

“Attacks like this are an attack on all of us. Women should have the freedom to live their lives free from any threat,” he added.

The PSNI is appealing for anyone who was in the park on Friday evening to come forward with information.