Detectives investigating a report of sexual assault near services on the M1 are making a direct appeal to HGV drivers for information about the incident.
The incident happened in Baines Lane – an access road which links the services with the A47 Hinckley Road – between 6.20pm and 6.40pm on Saturday (25 April).
A woman in her 20s, was grabbed from behind by a man while she walked along Baines Lane towards Hinckley Road in Leicester Forest East. She was pulled to the ground and sexually assaulted. When she began shouting for help, the man ran off towards the southbound services.
Due to the location where the incident happened, officers believe people using the services – and particularly HGV drivers parked on the southbound side – may be able to help.
We are continuing to appeal for HGV drivers and any other motorists with a dashcam to come forward.
The victim described the man as white, in his late 40s or early 50s and of a slim build with dark greying hair and a grey beard. He was wearing a black and white short sleeved top. We would like anyone who saw a man matching this description to get in touch.
Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall from Signal, our specialist rape and serious sexual assault team, is the senior investigating officer. She said: “We believe the man may have gone into the car park at the services on the M1 southbound.
“I’m sure there’ll have been people who saw someone matching the description and I’d like to speak to anyone who can help.
“We know anyone using the services may have travelled from outside Leicestershire and I’m appealing for HGV drivers and other drivers who stopped there between 5pm and 7pm to come forward.
“I’d also be grateful to the public if they are able to share our appeal for information so it reaches those living outside our force area.”
A dedicated public portal has been set up where anyone who can help can upload dashcam footage or provide information directly to the investigation team. It can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I77-PO1
You can also pass on information by calling 101 and quoting reference 26*238050.
