Woman, 60, bites knife-wielding attacker in Littlehampton

The victim was walking along a towpath by the River Arun, where the A259 crosses the river, at about 7.15pm on Wednesday (July 17) when the incident took place.

She was left very shaken and upset after she was approached by a man who held a knife to her in what detectives are describing as an attempted sexual assault.

Police have launched an investigation into the assault.

Her attacker, a man aged about 19, of slim build, with short mousey hair and wearing a striped top, ran off when she bit him.

Detective Sergeant Chris Pipkin said: “The woman was plucky to have bitten the man which caused him to flee. We immediately searched the area and are doing everything we can to identify him.

“We’d particularly like to speak to a dog walker who was in the area at the time and possibly had a conversation with the suspect. He was walking a small white dog and is described as white, aged around 30, wearing a short sleeved top and carrying something, possibly a tripod.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or who thinks they saw him in the area, together with anyone else who has information about this incident, to contact police on 101 quoting serial 1551 17/07 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”