Sexual assault close to M1 prompts police appeal

The sexual assault of a woman in a lane close to the M1 in Leicestershire has prompted an appeal from police.

Officers said the victim, who is in her 20s, was in Baines Lane - an access road off the A47 Hinckley Road, near the southbound M1 Leicester Forest East services - at about 18:45 BST on Saturday.

She was pulled to the ground and assaulted but when she began shouting for help, the attacker ran off towards the services.

Police have asked anyone who saw a white man in his 50s, of a slim build with grey hair and a grey beard, wearing a black and white short sleeved top in the area at the time, to get in touch.

Officers have been been in the area on Sunday carrying out further inquiries.

Det Insp Jenny Tattersall said: "Although Baines Lane is an access road, we do know it's used by people to get onto the M1 southbound.

"I'm appealing for anyone with dashcam footage who was at the services between 5pm and 7pm to get in touch."

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