FILM: Following the attack on Beeston Road, the man was filmed via CCTV, with the victim lying still in the garden
FILM: Following the attack on Beeston Road, the man was filmed via CCTV, with the victim lying still in the garden

Search continues after near-fatal attack in Leeds

Detectives investigating the attempted murder and serious sexual assault of a woman in Leeds have released CCTV of the incident, which has now been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

The edited footage, released with the consent of the victim and her family, was released as part of the ongoing appeal for any information that could assist in identifying the suspect.

The victim, an 18-year-old woman, was attacked as she waited at a bus stop in Beeston Road, near to the junction with Tempest Road, at about 10.50pm on Friday 6th March.

An e-fit image was also distributed following the attack with the man described as being of Pakistani or Middle Eastern origin, aged in his early twenties, slim, with receding black hair.

WANTED: This e-fit image of the suspect was released by West Yorkshire Police after the assault
WANTED: This e-fit image of the suspect was released by West Yorkshire Police after the assault

He was wearing dark clothing and possibly a light blue top with a hood at the time and could be new to the area or staying in a hostel.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We thought very long and hard about releasing this footage due to the dramatic nature of it.

“Securing the consent of the victim and her family was the main consideration and it is their express wish that we do this to assist in bringing this offender to justice.

“We felt it was important to give people a first-hand insight into the nature of this offence in the hope it will encourage them to think very carefully about anything they may have seen in the area around the time or if they have any suspicions about someone they know.”

Currently, officers are mounting an information seeking operation in the area one week on from the incident.

An exhibition vehicle will be stationed at the scene and posters have been produced in a number of different languages to extend the appeal in the diverse community.

Detective Superintendent Wallen added: “We have been trawling CCTV in the area and it is clear from that there are a number of people around at the time of the attack.

“People can be seen walking up and down Beeston Road, getting on and off buses on both sides of the road, and driving past. Given the secluded location of the attack, behind a large hedge, they would probably have been unaware of what was taking place just a short distance away.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 01924 334710 or via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.