Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after a woman was sexually assaulted in Melling on Thursday afternoon.
The woman was walking along a canal towpath on Brewery Lane close to the junction with Rock Lane when a young man on pedal bike approached her.
The man then pushed her to the floor and sexually assaulted her before riding off over fields towards Hall Lane in the general direction of Maghull.
The woman flagged down a passing motorist for help and he called the police. Officers have been searching the entire area looking for the suspect using the police helicopter, dog patrols and officers on foot.
An area on the towpath believed to be where the attack happened has been cordoned off for examination by crime scene investigators.
Detectives are carrying out enquiries in the area to see if anyone witnessed anything suspicious or if there is any CCTV footage that could help the investigation.
Local officers have stepped up patrols in the area to provide a visible, reassuring presence to the local community.
Specialist detectives from the force’s Unity team are looking after the victim and providing her with the care and support she needs at this time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Melling area at around 3.15pm is urged to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 1382 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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