Cops warn women after sex attacker slashed woman’s face and assaulted her as she walked home
As the victim lay sobbing with blood streaming down her face, the viscous attacker sexually assaulted her
POLICE have warned women to "be vigilant" after a sex attacker slashed a woman across the face with a knife as she walked home through a quiet park in Essex.
The victim fears she will be scarred for life after she was mutilated and sexually assaulted in Castle Park, Colchester, at around 9:15pm on Wednesday.
The appalling incident has sent shockwaves through the town and police urged women to be on their guard in case the man strikes again.
An Essex Police spokesman told The Sun Online: "Everyone in the area should remain vigilant."
The depraved attacker pounced from the shadows as the woman, who hasn't been named, walked through the park in the town centre.
Growling menacingly, he demanded she hand over cash and her phone.
When she refused, she was punched to ground and screamed for help as he pulled out a knife.
The barbaric attacker slashed her face, with the blade leaving blood streaming down her cheeks.
As she lay sobbing on the ground, he sexually assaulted her before rummaged in her clothes for her phone.
He made off with her purse, leaving her badly shocked lying with pools of blood on the floor around her.
Detectives believe he ran in the direction of the town centre but would have struggled to get away quickly as the park gates were closed at the time.
His victim had been walking near a children's play area in the park.
She staggered for help and the police were called.
Officers issued a description of the man - he was white, in his 20s with light coloured hair and of a skinny build.
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He wore dark tracksuit bottoms and a light coloured hooded tracksuit top.
Local women have vowed to avoid the area until the attacker is locked up.
One commented on Facebook: "No walking through there after dark!".
Tagging her friends in the Essex Police post, a concerned woman wrote: "Please be careful if walking around."
Another local said: "Animal, poor woman," while others called for police to patrol the park more often.
A spokesman said "Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester CID quoting incident 1411 of 24/10.
"You can also report information online by visiting or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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