Graveyard rapist attacked woman before being chased away by group of children

Police are searching for an unknown man after a woman was allegedly stalked and then sexually assaulted near a graveyard in Germany, before being helped by a group of kids

Police have released a computer generated image of a man they want to speak to after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted near a graveyard in the German city of Dortmund.

The 23-year-old woman was visiting Scharnhorst Cemetery on April 17 when she became aware of a man following her, according to investigators. The unnamed victim tried to flee her stalker, hiding in a nearby field.

However, the man allegedly followed her into the field, where she was sexually assaulted. The alleged attacker reportedly ran away from the field when he heard a group of six or seven children nearby.

The group of kids, aged between 10 and 11, reportedly came to help the woman and helped alert the authorities.

Police say the woman tried to get away and ran towards a nearby rapeseed field, where she attempted to hide. Officers allege the man followed her into the field and sexually assaulted her.

The attack is said to have ended when voices from a nearby group of children could be heard. The man then fled the scene, police say. Six children, believed to be aged between 10 and 11, later came to the woman’s aid. She was treated for injuries sustained during the incident.

No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives have now released a composite image in the hope that members of the public may recognise the man and assist with enquiries.

The man police wish to identify has been described as around 5ft 11in tall (180cm) with dark blond hair, “bright eyes”, “bushy eyebrows” and a “distinctive bump on his nose.”

He was reportedly wearing a black jacket and jeans at the time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

A spokesperson said: “The victim was walking through the Scharnhorst cemetery when she noticed an unknown male suspect approaching her.”

“Out of fear, the victim quickened her pace to hide from the man in an adjacent rapeseed field. However, the man followed her, and despite her massive resistance, a sexual assault occurred.”

“When the voices of an approaching group of children could be heard, the unknown suspect let go of the victim and fled.”

They called for anyone with information to come forward, asking: “can anyone provide information about the identity of the suspect in the composite sketch?”

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