Police seek assistance in identifying suspect

efit picture:

This in from police, in their own words. Ed


Police have issued an eFit of a man they would like to identify after a woman was accosted in Ryde.

At around 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 18, the victim, a 49-year-old woman was walking up Easthill Road, near to the junction with Westhill Road, when she was approached by an unknown man who spoke to her twice, before grabbing her around the waist. She managed to break free and shouted ‘No!’ and the man ran off in the direction of the church.

The suspect is described as:

White man
Aged between 48 and 49-years-old
About 5ft 4in tall
Medium build
Short dark hair, almost black in colour
Wearing dark jeans and a grey jacket

Investigating Officer, PSI George Basin said:

“This is not a common occurrence on the Island. At the time it was dark and quite early in the evening, but not many people were around.

“The woman would have been quite noticeable as she was pulling a bright red suitcase up the hill; she spoke to an elderly gentleman shortly after the incident who was walking his dog.

“Although the woman was not injured, it left her scared and shaken. If you were in the area at the time and saw or heard anything suspicious, or if you recognise the man in the image please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact PSI Bason at Newport DCID by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.