By Lucy Caulkett-
West Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after an 18-year-old woman was reportedly sexually assaulted in a park in West Yorkshire, with detectives appealing to anyone who saw a masked man in the area to come forward.
The alleged attack took place at around 9.30pm on Wednesday evening in a park off Old Popplewell Lane in Scholes, near Cleckheaton, prompting an immediate police response and a major safeguarding investigation.
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Officers from the force say they were called to the park after receiving reports that a young woman had been sexually assaulted. The victim is now receiving specialist support while detectives work to identify the man responsible. Investigators have released a description of the suspect in the hope that members of the public may recognise him or recall seeing someone matching his appearance before or after the incident.
The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s with a slim build. At the time of the alleged assault, he was reportedly wearing a balaclava, a black jacket, a black top and black joggers. Detectives believe someone may have seen the man moving through the area on Wednesday evening and are urging residents not to dismiss information they may think is insignificant.
Even a brief sighting of a man dressed in black, someone acting suspiciously, or a vehicle parked nearby could prove vital as officers work to establish exactly what happened. The investigation is being led by West Yorkshire Police’s Kirklees District Safeguarding Team, with specially trained officers supporting the young woman throughout the inquiry.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, the force confirmed that enquiries were progressing but stressed that public assistance could be crucial.
“Police are appealing for witnesses after a report of a sexual assault in Scholes last night,” a spokesperson said.
“Officers were called to a park off Old Popplewell Lane in Scholes at around 9.30pm last night following reports of a sexual assault on a woman.
“The 18-year-old woman is being supported by specially trained officers.
“The suspect is described as a white man, in his 20s, slim build.
“He was wearing a balaclava, a black jacket, black top and black joggers.”
No arrests have been announced, and detectives have not disclosed whether they believe the victim and the suspect knew one another. Police have also not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault as enquiries remain at an early stage.
The force is now carrying out extensive investigations, including house-to-house enquiries, witness interviews and examinations of any available CCTV footage from surrounding roads and nearby properties.
Investigators are also expected to review any doorbell camera, commercial security camera and vehicle dashcam recordings that may help establish the suspect’s movements before and after the reported offence.
Because the alleged attack happened during the evening, detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was walking through the area, exercising, walking a dog or travelling along nearby roads around the time of the incident. Police say people often assume that someone else will report information, but officers stress that even the smallest detail could become a significant piece of evidence when combined with other enquiries.
The use of a balaclava may make identification more challenging, but detectives say clothing, body shape, walking style, direction of travel and behaviour can all help investigators narrow down a suspect’s identity. The incident has inevitably raised concerns among residents who regularly use the park and surrounding footpaths, particularly during the summer months when lighter evenings encourage more people to spend time outdoors.
A police officer from West Yorkshire police who tipped the Eye Of Media.Com on this story on the grounds of anonymity said : ”Community safety remains a major priority for West Yorkshire Police, which continues to encourage victims of sexual offences to report incidents, assuring them that specially trained officers are available to provide support throughout investigations. Sexual offences remain among the most sensitive and complex crimes investigated by police.
”Specialist safeguarding teams work closely with victims from the earliest stages of an investigation, helping them access medical care, emotional support and practical assistance while detectives gather evidence.
Such investigations often involve forensic examinations, witness testimony, CCTV analysis, digital evidence and other enquiries that can continue for weeks or months depending on the circumstances of the case.
Police are also reminding the public that anyone providing information does not have to be certain that what they saw is directly connected to the investigation. Officers routinely assess all intelligence received and determine whether it may assist the inquiry.
Witnesses sometimes hold back because they believe their information is too minor to matter. However, detectives say seemingly routine observations—such as seeing a man in distinctive clothing, noticing someone leaving the park quickly or spotting unusual behaviour—have helped solve numerous investigations in the past.
The force is urging anyone who saw a man matching the suspect’s description in or around Old Popplewell Lane on Wednesday evening to contact West Yorkshire Police as soon as possible.
Information can be provided through the Live Chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting reference 13260446481.
Those who prefer not to speak directly to police can also provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
As the investigation continues, detectives are focusing on building a clear timeline of events in the hours surrounding the alleged assault. They hope that information from members of the public will help identify the suspect quickly and establish exactly what occurred.
Specialist officers remain focused on providing support while enquiries continue.Police is eager to identify the masked man described by witnesses, to ensure that every possible line of enquiry is pursued.
And for the wider community, the appeal carries a simple but important message: if you were in the area, saw anything unusual or recognise the description released by police, however insignificant it may seem, your information could be the key that helps detectives bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
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