UPDATE: Police target dog walking witnesses in Knaresborough sexual assault investigation

Police have issued an appeal to speak to people walking their dogs in the area of King James’s School after a 17-year-old girl from Knaresborough was sexually assaulted.
Police car  by the playing fields of King James School, Knaresborough ...attack story mon 6th april 2015Police car  by the playing fields of King James School, Knaresborough ...attack story mon 6th april 2015
Police car by the playing fields of King James School, Knaresborough ...attack story mon 6th april 2015

Two men seen in the area that officers wanted to speak to have now been spoken to by detectives, providing information that has assisted the investigation.

However, officers need to speak to people who were walking their dogs in the area of King James’s School, the cemetery and the school playing fields between 9am and 10am on Sunday 5 April. These dog walkers may also have important information, but have not yet contacted the police.

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Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “We have had a good response to our media appeal, and I am pleased we have traced the two men I was trying to identify yesterday.

“I am asking for anyone who was walking their dog in the area of King James’s School, the cemetery and the school playing fields between 9am and 10am on Sunday 5 April to get in touch with me.

“These people may not have seen the media appeals, or may not realise that they have important information which could assist our investigation.

“If you were walking your dog in the area at this time, please contact me without delay.”

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The victim was grabbed by a man as she walked home through an alleyway near Knaresborough cemetery on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, after having stayed at a friend’s house.

The male offender then dragged the teenager into the school grounds of King James’s School where she was subjected to a serious sexual assault.

Police have described their suspect as 5ft 7ins to 6ft in height, and of large build – not fat, but muscular and heavy-boned. He was wearing baggy black trousers and an oversized black hoodie with a large pocket to the front, and his face was covered.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, selecting option two and asking for Harrogate CID.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12150055295.