Sex attack victim ambushed near canal

Aug 1 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAN was subjected to a serious sexual assault after being ambushed on a canal towpath.

The victim, in his 20s and from Runcorn, was approached from behind and hit on the head by two attackers as he walked along the towpath in the town.

He fell to the ground and was held down while he was assaulted.

The attack took place at 4am last Saturday on the towpath which runs parallel to Bridge Street.

Police are warning people to avoid walking alone towpaths until the attackers are caught, and a police spokesman said: “Due to the nature of the attack we are asking everybody in Runcorn to be particularly vigilant while out in the evenings.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Emily Cole at Runcorn Specialist Investigation Unit on 0845 458000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.