CCTV images released after sex worker raped at knife point in Holbeck Park

It happened at about 4am on Wednesday, May 5 in Holbeck Park, Holbeck.

The victim, a woman in her thirties, had met the suspect and gone to a wooded area of the park next to the M621.

He then got out a knife and made threats before sexually assaulting her.

Police said the man was described as black, stocky build, with short afro hair twisted into little balls.

He was around 30 years old, with brown eyes and was wearing a mask and had his hood up.

He was described as having a foreign accent and was thought by the victim to be African.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of the suspect taken from a nearby shop.

Other CCTV from the area shows him with a bicycle.

A man was previously arrested over this incident but has since been eliminated from the investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson said: “We have been carrying out detailed and wide-ranging enquiries over the weeks since this attack but are now asking for the public’s help to identify this man.

“We are treating this incident very seriously and continuing to support the victim.

“Although the suspect’s face is partially covered by a mask and not clear on the images, we are hopeful someone will recognise him.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen him in the area around the time of the incident or who has any other information that could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting Operation Paperlock, crime reference 13210220774, or online.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.