Police are hunting a man accused of seriously sexually assaulting a Skelmersdale mother.
The investigation is underway after the 36-year-old mum was attacked in Ormskirk on the evening of June 21 in a woodland area known as the Ruff on Ruff Lane, at the junction with Vicarage Lane.
According to police the suspect befriended his victim as she sat alone on a bench in Coronation Park around tea time, before attacking her three to four hours later.
Officers have today released an Evofit of her suspected attacker in the hope that someone will recognise him and are appealing for witnesses who were around Coronation Park, Victoria Park and the Ruff between 4.30pm and 10pm to come forward.
The victim is white and was dressed in a pink and grey striped t-shirt with black trousers, black shoes and was carrying a light blue tracksuit jacket.
She also had a bandage on her left arm.
Her attacker is described as a white man, 5ft 8inches tall and toned, muscular build, aged in his 30s, with blue eyes and short mousey brown hair.
He was wearing a distinctive blue round neck short sleeve t-shirt with blue diagonal patterns, blue jeans and brown ‘Kicker style’ boots.
He was also wearing a gold ring, spoke in a northern accent and is a smoker.
He called himself ‘Rob’ and it is not known if he is a local man but he does have local knowledge so has visited the area in the past and was in the town on Monday 21 June.
Detective Superintendent Steve Mounsey from the Force Major Investigation Team said: “This is a serious offence which has left a very vulnerable victim utterly distraught.
"The woman and her attacker spent several hours together in public places in and around Ormskirk in broad daylight so I would appeal to anyone that saw them together to come forward and contact us.
“The couple also spent some time walking around the woods where the offence took place so I would appeal to dog walkers or young people or anybody who may have been in the woods around the time of the offence and saw a couple matching their description to come forward as they could have vital information to help with our investigation.
“The offender used the name ‘Rob’ which could be significant but could equally be an alias.
"I would urge people to think very carefully about all of the information in this case and if they have any suspicions about any individuals I would urge them to contact the police.
"We are in a position to rule out people very quickly and are committed to following up every new lead.
“Offences of this nature are very rare in Ormskirk and I would like to reassure people that we have a large team of dedicated officers and support staff and with the help of the public we are committed to catching the man responsible.”
Anyone with any information that could assist police with this investigation is urged to call Lancashire Police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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