Appeal after garden sex attack

Police have appealed for help to catch a sex attacker who assaulted an 85-year-old woman in a park dedicated to victims of both World Wars.
The attack took place in the "Peace Garden" in Pinner Memorial Park, Pinner, north-west London, on 31 July.

She received injuries to her chest and arms in the incident, which happened at 1520 BST.

The suspect is described as a white man, in his mid 20s, wearing a peaked cap, dark trousers and sunglasses.

Poor health

The victim received hospital treatment and is recovering at home but remains in poor health following the attack.

Detective Inspector Linda Reid said: "This was a despicable attack on an elderly woman in a place she would go to be at peace.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the suspect in the park between 3pm and 3.30pm, or anyone who knows who may be responsible, to contact police."

Officers were in the park on Saturday between 1200 BST and 1700 BST, where there will be a mobile police station and officers will be handing out leaflets.

Woman fought off sex attacker

A young woman who was on her way home after a night out with friends managed to fight off a sex attacker.
Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident in Edinburgh city centre.

The 20-year-old woman was attacked by a man as she walked along Hope Street Lane between 2100 and 2130 BST on Tuesday, 3 August.

The man pushed the woman over, punched her in the stomach and tried to pull her trousers down.


His victim struggled but eventually fended him off by kicking him.

'Horrible attack'

She then ran into Hope Street where she hailed a taxi and contacted police.

A police spokesman said: "This was a horrible attack on a young woman going home after a night out with friends. Thankfully she was able to fight off her attacker."

He added: "The incident happened near Edwards bar in the city and we are confident that there would have been a number of people around at the time.

"We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the attack to contact us as a matter of urgency."

He said the incident happened between Hope Street Lane and Hope Street.

The woman, who hit her head on the ground during the attack, was later treated at the city's Western General Hospital.

The attacker was described as being aged between 26 and 30, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build with a skinhead.

He was wearing light-blue jeans and a dark long-sleeved top with a round neck.