Witnesses sought over woman’s stabbing

The woman was walking her dog along the Mineral Line pathway near to the former pit site in Thurcroft when she was assaulted.

When she reached the bridge that crosses over Steadfolds Lane she turned around to walk back along the path, when an unknown man approached her from behind.

The man is alleged to have stabbed the woman twice in the back.

She managed to kick out at the suspect, pulling him to the ground.

He is then believed to have run away in the direction of the bridge.

The woman was taken to hospital to be treated for her injuries.

A police spokesman said: “We believe two men, one cycling and one jogging, may have passed the woman on the Mineral Line pathway moments before the attack and we are would urge them to please contact police as any information they have may prove vital to the investigation.”

The assault took place at around 11am on Monday, April 20.

The offender is described as being around 5ft 11ins tall, in his late 20s to early 30s, of skinny build with a scruffy appearance.

He is described as being olive-skinned with short dark brown hair and stubble.

He is reported to have been wearing a light blue football shirt with a white band or motif across the chest, with grey scruffy jogging pants, white socks and black trainers. He is reported to have smelled of smoke.

q If you have any information\!q call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 321 of April 20, 2015,