A WOMAN was reportedly raped by a dog walker while walking along a footbridge in an “extremely concerning” attack.
The victim was walking across the Fuller Street Bridge towards the seafront in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, at around 9.40pm on Sunday night.
She was then approached by a man walking a small dog and was subsequently raped.
Police have now launched an investigation and are looking for a man described as aged between 19 and 21 years old, approximately 5ft 6ins in height, clean shaven with short hair and wearing a grey tracksuit.
Chief Inspector Jim Clough of Humberside Police said: “I know this incident will be of extreme concern to the local community and whilst our investigation into the incident is in its early stages, I want to offer my reassurance that my officers are exploring all lines of enquiry.
“As a part of our initial enquiries, to understand the circumstances surrounding the report we have been speaking with witnesses, completing house to house enquiries, and reviewing CCTV footage.
“The man is described as being between 19, and 21-years-old, approximately 5ft 6 inches tall, clean shaven with short hair, wearing a grey coloured tracksuit. He is also believed to have been walking a small dog.”
Ch Insp Clough added that officers would be in the area to follow up on enquiries and urged the public to come forward with any information.
He said: “Locals can expect to see officers in and around the area following up on those lines of enquiry and I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to please speak to my officers when you see them.
“If you have information or think you may have seen a man matching the description at around the time the incident is believed to have occurred, please call our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 25*25149 of 23 February.”
You can also report any information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
