Hunt for boy after girl, 13, escapes rape attack in woodland

13th Nov 2026

Police on the scene at Worcester Woods Country Park. // A major police hunt is under way after a schoolgirl escaped an attempted rape in woodland before finding safety with a dog walker. The teenage girl was forced into trees in Nunnery Wood, Worcester, at around 8.15am today (Tue) before managing to break free and raise the alarm. Cops say an unknown youth wearing all black tried to sexually assault the youngster before she escaped and found a dog walker, who then called police. The suspect, described as mixed race and believed to be aged between 16 and 18, has not yet been found. Photo released 10/11/2026

A search is underway for an alleged sexual offender who assaulted a teenage girl walking to school.

The 13-year-old victim was attacked on a footpath in Nunnery Wood in Worcester at 8.15am on Tuesday.

Officers are still looking for the suspect, who is described as mixed race, aged between 16 and 18, and wearing all-black clothing.

The alleged sexual offence took place in a green space between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Nunnery Wood High School.

Police say the girl managed to escape the suspected attacker as he attempted to rape her. She and her family are currently being supported by specialist officers.

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Residents were warned to expect a heightened police presence in the area into next week as enquiries continue.

DCI Gareth Lougher said: ‘A team of dedicated detectives from the MIU are now running the investigation and have been continuing to develop several lines of enquiry.

‘Local bus companies have been contacted to gather dashcam and CCTV footage from the vehicles which were in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

‘As part of enquiries, officers have also been conducting house-to-house enquiries and gathering ring doorbell footage and CCTV from the area to progress the investigation.

‘We have also already received several reports from members of the public following our appeals, which will further our lines of enquiry, and we thank everyone for getting in touch and sharing the appeal.

‘Our appeal for information is continuing, and you can now report directly via the MIPP, which has been set up specifically for this investigation.”

Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with dashcam footage from the Countryside Centre car park, Wildwood Drive or the A440 near KFC between 8am and 8.30am on the day of the assault.

Safer Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Dan Pilkington said: ‘We understand the feeling of concern and uneasiness that this incident has brought to parents, teachers and the wider local community, and we are keen to keep you informed as the investigation continues.

‘These enquiries have been extensive, and we are leaving no stone unturned.

‘Visibility patrols will continue this week and into next, specifically around the relevant school times.

‘We do encourage anyone with any concerns or information to speak to an officer.

‘The victim and her family continue to be supported by specialist-trained officers and will be kept updated throughout the investigation.

‘We thank nearby residents for their cooperation as the investigation unfolded and extend our appreciation for their understanding and support with our investigation.’

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference 78i of November 10.

What to do if you've been raped

If you have been the victim of rape, either recently or historically, and are looking for help, support is out there.

If you want to report your rape to the police, ring 999 or the police non-emergency line on 101. An Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) will often be on hand to help you through reporting and even after you have made a statement, you can still decide to withdraw from the criminal justice process at any time.
If you plan on going to the police, if possible, do not wash your clothes or shower, bathe or brush your teeth. If you do get changed, keep the clothes you were wearing in a plastic bag. These steps will help to preserve any DNA evidence your attacker may have left on your body or clothes.
If you don’t want to contact the police, Rape Crisis suggest talking to someone you trust about what has happened; or you can ring one of the UK’s many rape and sexual assault helplines.
Anyone aged 16+ can contact Rape Crisis's 24/7 Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222 or starting an online chat.
If you have been injured, you’re best advised to go to your nearest A&E to seek medical treatment. If you are uninjured, you can go to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The NHS has information on where to find your nearest centre here.
If your rape is historic, you can still access support, including from the police – there is no time limit on reporting and your account can still be used as evidence.