A week on – Re-appeal for information following attempted rape in Bishop’s Stortford

One week after an attempted rape occurred in Bishop’s Stortford, detectives are refreshing an appeal for information from the public.

A woman was walking along Dunmow Road between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday (13 April), when she was approached by an unknown man near the golf club (What3Words location beyond.cotton.throw).

It was reported that the man spoke to her, before pulling her from the path and into a treeline where he made threats and assaulted her. She suffered injuries to her head, face and arms.

The woman managed to run off towards Stortford Hall Park, where she sought help from members of the public. The man walked off in the opposite direction.

The man has been described as having olive skin, being of very thin build and was clean shaven with messy, light brown curly hair down to his ears. He was wearing a hat, all black clothing and was carrying a black backpack.

Detective Inspector Ben Smith from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offence Investigation Team said: "I want to reassure the public that the victim has been supported by our specialist officers. following this awful ordeal.

“I want to take this opportunity to update the local community that our enquiries are continuing at pace. Officers are reviewing CCTV from residents and businesses in the area where the incident occurred.

“We have already spoken to a number of people who came forward following our appeal, and I am grateful for that information.

“We know that this incident has caused concern among the local community and we have increased patrols to provide reassurance and enable members of the public to report any concerns or suspicious activity.

“If you were in the area at the time, walking or driving, and saw anyone matching the description, or noticed anything suspicious, please speak to us. Any information could be crucial.

“In addition, if you have any CCTV or dashcam footage of note, this can be uploaded directly to our online portal.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Op Catenane.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

In an emergency, always dial 999.