Police investigating sexual assault near Kirkstall Abbey

It happened at about 7.15pm on Wednesday, May 5 in Abbey Road.

Police were contacted by a member of the public who had found the victim, a woman in her fifties, in a distressed state.

A cordon is currently in place on the footpath near the River Aire for forensic examination and specialist searches.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives are appealing for information after a woman reported being sexually assaulted by a man near to Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds yesterday.

"At 7.13pm on Wednesday, police were contacted by a member of the public who had found the victim, a woman in her fifties, in a distressed state in Abbey Road.

"A scene has been put in place covering a footpath that runs alongside the River Aire between Kirkstall Abbey and Burley RUFC to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches.

"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and Leeds District CID is continuing enquiries into the incident.

"Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Kirkstall Abbey from about 6pm and saw anything suspicious or who saw the victim in distress in the area.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210222315 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat"Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."