HGV drivers appeal after sex assault near services

Police have made a "direct appeal" to HGV drivers for information after a woman was sexually assaulted near a service station on the M1 in Leicestershire.

Leicestershire Police was called to reports of the assault in Baines Lane - an access road that links Leicester Forest East services with the A47 Hinckley Road - between 18:20 and 18:40 BST on Saturday.

A woman in her 20s, the force said, was grabbed from behind by a man as she walked along the street before being pulled to the ground and sexually assaulted.

Police added due to the proximity of the assault to the services, HGV drivers may be able to help their investigation.

The force is appealing for information from drivers, particularly those who were parked on the southbound side of the M1, after the man was seen running off towards the services when the woman screamed for help.

The force said the man was described as being white, in his late 40s or early 50s, and of a slim build with dark, greying, hair and a grey beard.

He was wearing a black and white short-sleeved top, they said.

Senior investigating officer, Det Insp Jenny Tattersall, said: "We believe the man may have gone into the car park at the services on the M1 southbound.

"I'm sure there'll have been people who saw someone matching the description and I'd like to speak to anyone who can help.

"We know anyone using the services may have travelled from outside Leicestershire and I'm appealing for HGV drivers and other drivers who stopped there between 5pm and 7pm to come forward.

"I'd also be grateful to the public if they are able to share our appeal for information so it reaches those living outside our force area."

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