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Manhunt after woman raped on Trans Pennine Trail

Alex MossYorkshire
South Yorkshire Police A group of people dressed in black trousers and jackets walking on grass with their heads down. South Yorkshire Police
Officers have appealed for anyone with information to come forward

Detectives are appealing for information after a woman was raped on a popular walking route.

South Yorkshire Police said the attack took place on the Trans Pennine Trail, between Mexborough Road and Harlington Road, near Bolton-upon-Dearne, at about 14:50 GMT on Wednesday.

The force said the area had been cordoned off to allow officers to gather forensic evidence, and has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The suspect is described as tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing a dark jumper, black gloves and a black face covering and spoke with a southern accent.

South Yorkshire Police Three people kneeling on a grassed area with their heads down. They are wearing black trousers and tops with caps on. South Yorkshire Police
Police have been carrying out forensic investigations of the area

Det Insp Helen Hughes said the victim was receiving care and support "at this traumatic time".

"I appreciate that news of this incident will cause concern within the local community and we have a committed team dedicated to finding the person responsible for this horrific attack," she said.

"If you were in the local area at the time and saw something that didn't feel right, please contact us."

The Trans Pennine Trail is a long-distance route for walkers and cyclists that stretches around 370 miles (600km) across northern England.

In South Yorkshire, the trail passes through Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, following a mix of former railway lines, canal towpaths, parkland and countryside.

Crime scene investigators continued to work at the scene on Friday, with searches also carried out in the river and on the riverbank.

Insp Rebecca Richardson said: "It's absolutely not right that women and girls don't feel safe in this area.

"I run on a regular basis and the Trans Pennine Trail is a route that I often use.

"Like any woman or girl, I want to feel safe in this area. It's absolutely right that they should be able to use this trail and feel safe in doing so, and I am standing with the local community to do everything I can to make women and girls feel safe again."

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