Police seek knife used in attack

Police said anyone who had seen the knife should contact them

Police investigating an attack on a woman in her own home have issued a picture of a knife used in the assault.

The woman was attacked in Bethesda, Gwynedd, on 21 June by a man who forced his way into the house after asking her for water for his car.

North Wales Police issued a description of a 13-inch-long Ikea kitchen knife. Detectives added they believe the assault was sexually-motivated.

On Tuesday, they renewed road checks in the village.

The woman, whose young son had been at home with her, was said to have been "traumatised" but not hurt after the assault.

Fought off

The attack happened between 0930 BST and 1015 BST.

The woman had given the man water for his car, but 10 minutes later he returned and carried out what police described as a "serious assault" during which he tried to strangle the victim.

Police have appealed for further information on the attack

Detectives said she was able to fight him off before he fled.

The knife used was a 13-inch-long kitchen knife with a straight-edged blade and a dark handle.

Anyone who may have found or seen the knife has been asked to contact police.

Detectives added that they believe the attack had a sexual motive.

They have carried out extensive house to house inquiries, road checks and interviews with owners of tourist accommodation, but have appealed for any potential witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who saw a white car in the area.