Police have stepped up patrols in a North Yorkshire market town after a woman was robbed and sexually assaulted.  

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “If you live or work in Harrogate you may see an increased police presence in the Bogs Lane area of over the coming days.  

“It follows a report of a robbery and sexual assault against a woman who was walking through the area.  

“It happened at around 8.30pm on the night of Wednesday (February 15) when the victim was approached by a man on a lane near to the tennis field who stole her jacket and mobile phone and sexually assaulted her.”  

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The victim sustained facial injuries during the incident and is receiving support from specially trained officers. 

The suspect is described as tall and was wearing dark coloured clothing including black jogging trousers, a black puffa jacket, brown boots and had a large ring on his finger.  

Following the assault he ran off in the direction of Starbeck High Street.

Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.  

As part of their investigation they are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious people or activity to contact them.

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They are also asking anyone who lives in Bogs Lane, Allotment Gardens, Hillbank View or the approaches to Bogs Lane who has doorbell or private CCTV cameras that may have captured the suspect or the incident on camera, to contact them if they have not already spoken to the police. 

Anyone who can help should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Harrogate CID. Please quote reference number 12230028839. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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