Police hunt for sex attacker who attacked woman in park

Police are hunting a knife-wielding man responsible for a sexually motivated attack on a woman in Co Londonderry.

The woman in her 20s was walking in Drumahoe Park in Drumahoe on the outskirts of Derry at around 10pm on Friday when a man approached her from behind and punched her on the side of the head.

The attacker then pulled her into nearby trees and pinned her to the ground with a knife.

The woman struggled with the man and managed to hit him in the face several times with her torch before she was able to break free and run for help.

Responding police officers searched the area for the attacker, but he had fled.

Detectives have appealed to anyone who was in the park on Friday evening and saw anything that could help the investigation to get in touch.

PSNI Inspector Ross Olphert said: “Understandably the victim has been left traumatized and extremely upset by this ordeal.

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

“These types of attacks are an attack on all of us. Women should have the freedom to live their lives, free from any threat.”