Police exploring "previous reports of man behaving suspiciously on Trans Pennine Trail" in rape investigation
"The victim has shown immeasurable strength and remembered some key details about the suspect”
Police are looking into reports of a man “behaving suspiciously” on the Trans Pennine Trail as they spend the day sweeping the area following reports of a rape.
A section of the popular walking spot has been taped off by police throughout the day (November 5) after the incident which took place on Wednesday, November 4.
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It is reported that around 2.50pm a woman was raped on a section of the trail between Mexborough Road and Harlington Road.
The victim continues to receive support from officers and medical professionals as the extensive investigation takes place.
Detective Inspector Helen Hughes, who is the senior investigating officer in this case, said: "We know the impact an incident of this traumatic nature has on our local communities. People will be rightfully concerned, and we completely understand why this is the case.
"Our investigation is underway and we are utilising every resource we have at our disposal to pursue every line of enquiry with determination to provide answers and secure justice for the victim.
"Thorough forensic sweeps have already taken place and we are continuing to explore CCTV and witness opportunities to identify the man behind this horrific attack.
"The victim has shown immeasurable strength and remembered some key details about the suspect, including that he was wearing a dark jumper, black gloves and a black face covering and that he spoke with a southern accent. The suspect is also said to be of a tall, stocky build.”
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Earlier in the day, police issued an appeal calling on witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.
They have also called on people who recognise the description of the man given by the victim, who is said to have a southern accent, to contact the police.
DI Hughes said that the force is aware of previous reports of a man “behaving suspiciously” on the trail and say that they are factoring this into their investigation.
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She continued: "We are also aware of previous reports involving a man behaving suspiciously on the Trans Pennine Trail. We are keeping an open mind and factoring these reports into the range of enquiries we are conducting.
“We issued an appeal in relation to our ongoing investigation earlier today and I want to thank everyone who has contacted us with information already.
“If you have relevant information but are yet to contact us, then please do so as your intelligence could be crucial to our enquiries. Even the smallest piece of information could be an important part of the overall picture.
"If you have any concerns, please speak to officers in your local community to report information or to raise any issues you have as they are there to help you and keep you safe."