Woman attacked in front of child

Police said the man was scruffy with a northern English accent

Police are hunting a man who tried to strangle a woman in her home in the Bethesda area of north Wales.

The victim's toddler witnessed the attack, which happened between 0930 and 1015 BST on Tuesday.

Police say the attacker - who is in his 40s - could be the same man seen lurking suspiciously at a school in the area on Monday.

People in the area are being warned by officers to be careful when they answer the door to anyone.

Events leading up to the attack on the mother began when a man came to the door to ask for water for his car.

After being given water, he left but came back 10 minutes later. He then forced his way into the house where he committed what police describe as a "serious assault". The woman managed to fight off the man, who is described as in his 40s, thin and scruffy with a north of England accent.

Chief Inspector Derek Roberts of North Wales Police said the woman was "very traumatised" but was not in hospital.

We're particularly seeking the assistance of people with guest houses, hotels and campsites Ch Insp Roberts

He added that police had received reports of a man acting suspiciously in the area on Monday, and believed it could be the same man.

"A man was previously seen acting suspiciously near a school at Bethesda and fits the description of the assailant," he said.

"Members of the public called us but by the time we got there he had gone."

He appealed for anyone with information to contact them and said they believed the man could have been staying in the area.

"We're particularly seeking the assistance of people with guest houses, hotels and campsites," he said.

The victim's child was not injured during the attack.

A white car was parked outside the house, but it is unclear if this was the man's vehicle.

Anyone with any information should call North Wales Police on 0845 6071001.