Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted near a motorway service station in Leicestershire on Saturday evening.
The alleged attack took place in Baines Lane, close to the southbound Leicester Forest East services on the M1, at around 6.45pm. According to Leicestershire Police, the victim was walking along Baines Lane towards Hinckley Road when she was grabbed from behind by a man, pulled to the ground and sexually assaulted. She shouted for help and the attacker fled in the direction of the southbound services.
Officers are now appealing for information to help identify the suspect, described as a white man in his 50s, of slim build, with grey hair and a grey beard. He was reportedly wearing a black and white short-sleeved top at the time of the incident. Police have been carrying out further inquiries in the area on Sunday, and specially trained officers are providing support to the victim.
Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall urged anyone who was at or near the services between 5pm and 7pm to come forward, particularly those with dashcam footage. “Although Baines Lane is an access road, we do know it’s used by people to get onto the M1 southbound,” she said. “Any information you’re able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, could help.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police via their website quoting reference 26*238050, or by calling 101.
