Harrogate teen punched in the face on cycle track

The 17-year-old girl was walking along a cycle path just off Woodfield Road in Harrogate around 1.30pm on Friday September 19 when she noticed a man who appeared to be lost.

She approached the man to ask if if he was ok. The man appeared agitated and the girl then began to walk away from him, at which point he punched her in the face before running off.

The teen was left with a black eye and police say she has been left very shaken up by the attack.

Police say the man is white, 5’9” to 5’10” tall, aged between 20 and 25 and of slim build. He was unshaven and had short, brown, greasy hair which was shaved at the sides and the top was brushed back.

He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie with a zip on the front and light blue jeans.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, saw a man matching his description in the area of Woodfield Road or can help the police identify the man, to contact them.

PC Adam Fenwick of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was an alarming, unprovoked assault on a lone girl who offered to help someone and in return for her concern, was punched in the face.

“The victim suffered bruising to her eye and was very shaken up by what had happened to her. I am appealing to anyone who can help us to find out who was responsible or has any other information which could assist our investigation, to please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Adam Fenwick, or email [email protected]

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12140161051 when passing on information about this crime.