Witness appeal following sexual assault in Woking

We’re appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in Woking on Friday (23 September).

The woman was walking along Sheets Heath Lane when she noticed a man standing on the bridge leading to Connaught Road. She continued walking onto the path along the Basingstoke Canal, in the direction of the Esso petrol station, when she noticed the man was behind her.

As she stopped to let him pass, he inappropriately touched her. The incident occurred sometime between 7.20 and 7.40pm.

The suspect is described as a White man in his late forties or early fifties, around 6ft in height with short dark coloured stubble. He was wearing a black beanie hat, a hooded top with a long black Puffa-style coat and navy blue joggers which had two white stripes down the side. He was also wearing white trainers.

T/Detective Inspector Nell Rodriguez, Borough Commander for Woking, said: “We understand that this incident will cause concern among the community, and particularly among women and girls. We are following every line of enquiry to identify the suspect and residents will notice an increased police and Canal Watch presence as we continue to carry out enquiries in the area.

“I would urge anyone who has dashcam footage of the area at the time, or may recognise the description of the suspect, to contact us straightaway. Similarly, if you notice any suspicious behaviour in the area please report it by calling 999 so we can respond as quickly as possible.”

If you have any information, please contact us quoting PR/45220103315 via:

• Webchat on our website https://surrey.police.uk/
• Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/.../af/how-to-report-a-crime/
• Calling us on 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.