[P]olice are investigating the report of an assault which occurred at around 10pm on the 22nd of February.
A lone female in her 50’s was grabbed from behind by a lone male, however, she was able to turn to face her attacker and used her walking stick to fight him off.
The man caused no physical injury and no property was taken during the attack. It is not believed that this attack was sexually motivated.
She described her attacker as a white man in his 20’s, around 5’8, slim build and wearing dark clothing, after the attack he made off towards Clift Street/Newtown Road area.
DC Ian Chappell said: “Incidents like this are very rare in Cumbria and patrols attended the area very quickly in an effort to support the victim. I want to praise the victim for her quick thinking, and her bravery in helping the police with their enquiries.
“There will be an increased vigilance in the area, police have been door to door and are also working with the local community and businesses as part of the investigation.”
Police are asking anyone who may have been walking or driving in the area of Newtown Road, Ruthella St and Lawson St around 9pm onwards and may have seen a lone female walking with a stick to contact police with any information, no matter who insignificant it may seem.
Please contact Cumbria police on 101 or using crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
