POLICE are investigating a serious sexually-motivated attack on a woman in Co. Derry, during which the victim was punched and forced to the ground at knifepoint.
The incident occurred in Drumahoe at around 10pm on Friday.
The woman, aged in her 20s, was walking in Drumahoe Park when a man approached her from behind.
The man punched the woman to the side of the head, pulled her into nearby trees and pushed her to the ground at knifepoint.
The woman struggled with her attacker, managing to strike him in the face a number of times with her torch before she was able to break free and run for help.
Police immediately responded to the area and searched for the attacker, who had fled the scene.
Detectives investigating the attack are now appealing to anyone who was in the park on Friday night and who saw anything that could assist the investigation to contact them.
“Understandably the victim has been left traumatised and extremely distressed by this ordeal,” said Detective Inspector Ross Olphert.
“Our specialist officers are continuing to support her today and a full investigation is underway.
“Attacks like this are an attack on all of us. Women should be free to go about their lives free from any threat.”
Anyone who can assist the investigation and help identify the perpetrator is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 1928 of November 1.