POLICE have warned women to be on guard after a serious sex attack on a woman in Ripon.
The 29-year-old victim was seriously sexually assaulted as she walked home through the city following a Boxing Day drink with friends.
Detective Inspector Neil Thewsey, leading the investigation, said today: "It is imperative that this man is caught as quickly as possible.
"Sex attacks are very infrequent in North Yorkshire, but that is no reason to take risks. Women should think ahead and walk with a friend or take a taxi. Do not take the risk of walking alone down quiet, dark streets."
The woman, who is from Ripon, had left the Royal Oak pub, in Kirkgate, late on Boxing Day and walked past the Black Bull pub in North Street, where police said she spoke to a man.
Further down North Street, she was grabbed from behind, dragged into an arched alleyway and assaulted. The man is described as powerfully built with dark hair.
Anybody with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 01423 505541.
Updated: 11:40 Friday, December 28, 2001
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