Suspect tried to rape teen in woods next to school

A teenage girl has escaped an attempted rape after she was pushed into the woods near a high school in Worcester, police say.

The incident happened at about 08:15 GMT on Tuesday morning on a footpath between Nunnery Wood High School and the Worcestershire Royal car park.

West Mercia Police said the victim was approached by the unknown man in the woods, who then forced her further into the trees, where he attempted to sexually assault her.

The girl managed to escape and find a dog walker who then called police. The suspect is described by police as a mixed-race teenager - believed to be between 16 and 18 years of age - and was wearing all black.

There is currently a large police presence around Nunnery Wood following the incident.

Officers were immediately sent to the area, and extensive searches are still ongoing to locate the suspect.

Ch Insp Dan Pilkington said: "An incident of this nature will undoubtedly cause concern amongst parents and the community, and we want to assure you that we are treating it with the utmost seriousness.

"The victim will continue to be supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation.

"A significant number of officers were deployed to the scene and remain in the area as searches and enquiries continue.

"We are also speaking with the headteacher at the nearby school to offer support and reassurance to pupils and parents."

Pilkington urged anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack and may have seen someone matching the suspect's description or have information, CCTV or dashcam footage relating to the incident to come forward.

Worcester Sixth Form College, located next to Nunnery Wood High School, has issued a statement warning students to "take sensible precautions".

The college encouraged students to walk with friends where possible, stay on well-lit routes and report any suspicious behaviour to staff or police.

They added: "Whilst we do not wish students to be alarmed, we feel it is important to reinforce good personal safety habits and encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings.

"We would be grateful if parents and carers could discuss these points with their son or daughter."

Councillor Elaine Willmore, who represents the Nunnery area on Worcester City Council, called the incident "despicable".

"My first reaction was one of horror, that something like this could have happened in our community," she said.

"That's also twinged with a heartfelt sense of love and desire to support the girl that this happened to.

"I really hope she is getting the support she needs, because it's something that should happen to nobody.

"This area is generally safe, particularly at that time of the day when there are hundreds of students at the high school and sixth form using those paths and networks through the woods, so for this attack to happen is absolutely awful."

She also said the message needs to go out to men, that they "won't get away" with sexual crimes.

She added: "What is it going to take for boys and men to stop attacking women?

"We have to speak to our young men to get them to understand that a) this isn't something they can do and b) it isn't something that they are ever going to get away with.

"I'm so grateful to West Mercia Police for their response; they absolutely flooded that area this morning, and I'm one hundred per cent sure they'll be doing everything they can to bring this individual to justice."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.