Man, 23, arrested over suspected attempted rape of woman in her 80s

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted rape after a woman in her 80s was attacked in a park.

Officers were called on Sunday to reports an elderly woman had been assaulted in Firth Park, Sheffield.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “It is understood that the woman was assaulted by a man, who is also thought to have attempted to sexually assault the woman.

“He made off from the scene and the woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been discharged.”

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Police confirmed the 23-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Eleanor Welsh, leading the investigation, added: “This was a horrid attack on an elderly woman who was simply in a park and detectives have been following up a number of lines of enquiry ever since we were called.

“I understand this is an alarming incident to our communities and although we have made an arrest, we’re still asking for anyone who may have seen anything or has any information to come forward as it may assist with our on-going investigation.”

Detectives investigating the incident are appealing for anyone who may have any information to come forward.

Witnesses can get in touch by calling 101, reporting it online here, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.