Police search for new witness in investigation into serious sexual assault on Wakefield street

The incident took place on Woolley Edge Lane, Woolley, between 10pm and 10.50pm on Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24), when a woman was approached by a man and sexually assaulted.

She suffered minor injuries and was left "very distressed" by the incident, officers said.

A member of the public reported a suspicious incident in the area, and police then came to the aid of the woman.

Officers are now appealing for a man who may have seen the woman trying to flag him down as he passed with two children in the car.

Detective Inspector Kristy Wright of Wakefield District CID said: “We are continuing to investigate this serious incident and have been conducting a number of enquiries in the Woolley area.

“Our team remain very keen to identify and speak with a male driver who the victim has described trying to flag down and we would urge him to contact us.

“I must stress that we are seeking to speak with him as a witness, as due to his presence in the area at the time, it is possible he may have information which could assist us.

“We also continue to appeal for anyone else who could assist us, including drivers vehicles travelling through the village at the time to contact us."

They also continue to seek information on the suspect, who is described as a white male, around 5’10ft - 6ft4 tall, of a stocky build and with short hair.

Believed to be around 35 years old, he spoke with a Yorkshire accent and was smoking a cigarette.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wakefield District CID on 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting log 1691 of 24 December.

Information can also be given anonymously to the Independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.