Colne churchyard sex attack on girl, 17

10:09pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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By Chris Hopper »

A 17-YEAR-old girl was the victim of a serious sexual assault after being dragged into a churchyard.

Police have launched a major hunt after the attack in the grounds of Trinity Baptist Church, off Robert Street, Colne.

They are looking for an olive skinned muscular man with a beer belly, who was in his early 30s and is thought to have spoken with an Italian accent.

Officers said the girl had met her attacker outside Zebras night club, Keighley Road, Colne, at 4am on Sunday.

He befriended her and they began to walk home together, police said.

But when they reached Robert Street she was dragged into the grounds of the Baptist church and subjected to what police said was a serious sex attack.

The victim has been left traumatised and with bruises to her face.

Det Insp Derek Jones, who is leading the hunt, said: "We have reason to believe he had been in Zebras and I would ask anybody with information to contact us.

"The girl is traumatised. She received some superficial injuries and some bruises bit she is not seriously injured.

"This is not a case of someone following the girl or coming out of the shadows.

"It is someone she had been speaking to, although that does not make it any less serious."

The attack has shocked community leaders.

Coun Graham Roach, liberal Democrat councillor for the Waterside ward, said: "It is a despicable act. How anybody can to something like that to a 17-year-old girl, or anyone in fact, is unbelieveable in this day and age."

Mr Jones appealed for witnesses and to anyone who may recognise the detailed and distinctive description of the attacker to come forward.

He is described as white with olive skin, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6ft tall, of muscular build but with a beer belly.

He had short, dark, spiky hair and was wearing a white t-shirt and dark jeans.

Officers have also said the victim believed her attacker had an Italian accent.

Detectives said they were hoping to release an E-fit of the man soon.

Anyone with information should contact Det Insp Jones on 01282 472618 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.