Woman hurt in beauty spot attack

The area is popular with dog walkers

Police are looking for a man after a woman was attacked while she walked her dog at a Devon beauty spot.

The victim, who is in her 30s, was assaulted on a footpath next to the River Otter, near Clapper lane, in Honiton on Monday afternoon.

The woman told police she was grabbed from behind and pulled to the ground during the assault. She escaped with minor injuries.

"This was a very traumatic assault for the victim," a police spokesman said.

It is not known whether the attack was sexually motivated, police added.

Parked car

The woman is being interviewed by specially trained officers.

The attacker has been described as aged between 40 to 45 with blond, wavy hair which was dyed almost ginger.

He was wearing a grey or off white T-shirt, black or blue jeans and trainers and smelled strongly of stale sweat.

A police spokesman said: "We know the area is used by many local dog walkers and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have used the path on Monday afternoon.

"We are also trying to find the owner of a blue Saab which was parked in a layby near to the path."

Police said this type of attack was not common, but advised woman not to walk alone in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.