Picture of moor suspect released

The man punched his victim in the face until she lost consciousness

Police investigating a "brutal assault" on a woman on Ilkley Moor have released an e-fit of the attacker.

The 52-year-old woman was knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched in the face by the knife-wielding man as she walked her dogs at the beauty spot.

She tried to defend herself with the knife blade which broke from the handle in the struggle, and scratched at his face with her nails, police said.

A man was later seen bleeding from his cheek as he walked away.

Det Supt Paul Kennedy said: "The victim put up a very brave fight.

"This attacker may have sustained some injuries as a result, perhaps knife or scratch marks to his upper body and scratches to his face.

The blade from the knife he was carrying came away in the struggle

"I want people to look at this e-fit and think about the injuries this attacker may have.

"Do you recognise this man? Do you have any suspicions about someone who has come home with unexplained scratch marks?"

Mr Kennedy said the woman, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, was recovering from severe facial injuries.

He added: "Her courage and the way she is dealing with this ordeal is inspiring."

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 and was scruffy, wearing a dark fleece jacket and jeans.