A RAPE inquiry is underway after a 36-year-old woman was attacked in Dawlish Warren by a tattooed man.
Police say the local victim, now being supported by specially trained officers, was assaulted as she walked along the beach path near the resort’s bird nature reserve.
Officers are hunting a stockily built white male who was about 6ft tall and may have been sporting a tattoo in and around his right ear.
It’s thought the design features an angel – or at least a winged figure.
The suspect masked his face during the mid-morning assault.
Police say the sex attack happened at about 11am on January 18, a Thursday. Details of the incident were released by police on Friday, eight days after the
crime.
They are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward if they saw or heard anything suspicious.
It’s thought a number of dog walkers were in the area at the time the man is said to have pounced.
A police spokesman said: ‘It is believed that they may have seen the victim immediately after the incident.
‘We are keen to identify and speak to these people as they may hold information vital to the investigation.’
The spokesman added: ‘This is an isolated incident which is being investigated by detectives in South Devon.
‘If anyone saw anything suspicious, or has any information that could assist us with the investigation, they should ring 101 or email [email protected] quoting crime reference CR/7246/18.’
Callers can also use the confidential Crimestoppers facility on 0800 555111.