Police issue E-fit picture of Oswestry sex assault suspect
Detectives have issued an e-fit picture of a man believed to be responsible for a sexual assault on a young woman in Oswestry. They are hoping the man will be recognised, providing a breakthrough to the investigation now nearly a month old.
The 18-year-old woman was assaulted in a wooded area near Aston Hall Lodge on the evening of Friday, September 14.
Prior to the incident, she and the offender were walking along Unicorn Road, College Road, into Shrewsbury Road and towards Mile End, before turning down a country lane near Mile End Golf Club towards Aston Hall, between about 7pm and 8.40pm.
Police have previously appealed for sightings of the two, urging anyone who may have seen the man and woman at some point along the route, to contact Oswestry police station.
Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, who is leading the inquiry, said today: "Now that we are able to issue the e-fit image, we are hoping the man will be recognised and that people will come forward with information to assist in tracing him.
"I would appeal to anyone who thinks they know him to contact Shrewsbury CID or Oswestry police station by calling 101."
He described the assault as an isolated incident. The woman was not injured but was left distressed.
She had previously caught the number 70 Arriva bus service from Shrewsbury to Oswestry, alighting at Unicorn Road at about 6.50pm where she was initially approached by the man.
Detective Inspector Bellamy said: "It was daylight at the time and there were lots of people still about who would have seen the victim and suspect walking through this busy part of town and onto the busy road at Mile End."
"The suspect was wearing distinctive clothing, including a Metallica T-shirt, and both he and the victim would have stood out as they walked along".
The man is described as white, in his 20s or 30s, of stocky build and about 5ft 10in in height. He had short dark hair and dark, heavy eyebrows with a day or two's stubble growth.
He was wearing a faded black T-shirt with a Metallica band logo, light-coloured jeans, a black, zip-up jacket and had a heavy gold ring on one hand.
Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.
