Police hunt 'dangerous' attacker

A "violent and dangerous" man who repeatedly punched a woman in the face as she walked her dogs at a Yorkshire beauty spot is being hunted by police.

The 52-year-old woman was knocked to the ground by a knife-wielding attacker on Ilkley Moor.

During a struggle, the blade came away from his weapon and he repeatedly thumped her in the face.

The woman's screams were heard by a member of the public, who called police on Monday afternoon.

The woman, who lost consciousness during the attack, woke at 1635 BST to find the man had gone.

She began to walk from the moor and met a member of the public, where they called for help.

'Extremely rare'

Police said the woman, who is recovering in Airedale General Hospital, had been "very brave".

Det Supt Paul Kennedy said: "This kind of attack and the level of violence used is extremely rare.

"It is a local beauty spot, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and runners. I can understand that there will be concern in the town of Ilkley and surrounding area today.

"What I can say is that this was an isolated incident and we have a full team of experienced detectives working to trace this attacker."

The man is described as white, about 40 years old, 5ft 9in tall, toned and athletic, with short brown hair.

He had a skin coloured, round mole just above his lip. He was scruffy, wearing a dark fleece jacket and jeans.