Police are appealing for information after an attempted serious sexual assault took place in Kirkstall on Monday evening.

A 23-year-old woman was attacked at 5.50pm on Redcote Lane in Kirkstall, near to the metal bridge crossing the River Aire.

She was grabbed and dragged in to the bushes, but after fighting back and a passing cyclist coming across the scene, the attacker fled down the riverside path and a passer by called the police.

The attacker is described as a white male in his twenties, around 5ft 6, skinny and wearing a dark coloured tracksuit and zip-up top.

Detective Inspector Phil Jackson said: “The area was quite busy at the time with people attending the nearby gym and we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw this man in the area any time between 5pm and about 6pm.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the man who rode past on a bike as the attack was taking place and disturbed the offender.

“The scene is currently being forensically examined and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are patrolling the area around the scene to provide visible reassurance to the community.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID at Elland Road via 101 or call the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jessica Murray