A major police investigation is underway after a woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in popular woodland near Coalville, sparking urgent appeals for witnesses and increased patrols in the area.
Police were called at 11.53am yesterday (Thursday 2 October) following a report that a woman had been attacked by a person not known to her in Grace Dieu Woods, also known as Thringstone Woods, in North West Leicestershire. The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with detectives now racing against time to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
The victim was taken to hospital as a precaution and is being supported by specialist officers. She has since been discharged. Leicestershire Police confirmed that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident, which occurred in woodland that is particularly popular with dog walkers and families.
Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall, who is leading the investigation, moved quickly to reassure residents whilst issuing an urgent appeal for information. “I’d like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest the person responsible for this attack,” she said.
Extensive Police Operation Launched
The force has mobilised significant resources in response to the attack, with multiple specialist units deployed to the woodland area. Forensic searches and searches by police dogs were carried out yesterday, and searches by specialist officers are continuing today within the woods.
Detective Inspector Tattersall emphasised the importance of speaking to anyone who was in the vicinity during Thursday morning, regardless of whether they witnessed anything suspicious. “I’d like to urgently speak to anyone who was in the woods yesterday morning – regardless of whether you saw anything out of the ordinary or not. Please contact us,” she stated.
The detective added: “Our officers are supporting the victim and obtaining all the evidence we can to assist our investigation.” She particularly appealed to anyone who may have seen someone “acting suspiciously in the area of Grace Dieu woods late this morning or early afternoon” to come forward immediately.
Community on High Alert
There will also be an increase in patrols in the area from local officers as reassurance to the public. The heightened police presence is aimed at both reassuring worried residents and potentially deterring any further incidents whilst the investigation continues.
Detective Inspector Tattersall urged members of the public to remain vigilant whilst using the woodland area. “I’d like to take this opportunity to urge people to be vigilant to their surroundings in the area,” she said, emphasising the importance of personal safety whilst the attacker remains at large.
The incident has particularly alarmed regular users of the woods, which are a popular destination for outdoor activities. Grace Dieu Woods can be approached from Turlough Road, Whitwick or Springfield, Thringstone, Leicestershire, making it easily accessible from multiple entry points, which investigators are now examining as part of their enquiries.
Historic Woodland Location
Grace Dieu Woods, where the attack occurred, is a well-known beauty spot in North West Leicestershire. This historic 13th century priory is located close to Coalville in North West Leicestershire. It’s a pleasant place for an easy walk with the photogenic ancient ruins surrounded by some attractive woodland trails.
The area is particularly popular with local residents and visitors alike. Grace Dieu Priory and the surrounding woodland is a hidden gem in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside by the village of Thringstone. The woodland features numerous walking trails and is home to the ruins of Grace Dieu Priory, an independent Augustinian priory near Thringstone in Leicestershire, England. It was founded around 1235-1241 by Roesia de Verdun and dissolved in 1538.
Many locals use the woods regularly for dog walking and exercise, with the best place to park is the car park of the Bulls Head in the village of Thringstone, from where visitors typically access the woodland trails. The attack has left many regular users of the woods feeling anxious about returning to what has traditionally been considered a safe, family-friendly location.
Investigation Intensifies
Leicestershire Police have confirmed that forensic teams continue to comb the area for evidence that could lead to the identification of the attacker. The use of specialist police dogs in the search suggests investigators are looking for items that may have been discarded by the perpetrator or evidence that could provide DNA samples.
The timing of the attack, occurring in broad daylight on a Thursday morning, has particularly concerned investigators. Such attacks in daylight hours are relatively rare, and police are hoping that the timing means there may have been other people in the vicinity who could provide crucial witness testimony.
Officers are particularly interested in speaking to dog walkers, joggers, or anyone else who regularly uses the woods and may have noticed someone acting unusually or out of place. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove vital to the investigation, detectives have stressed.
Public Safety Measures
In response to the attack, police have issued safety advice for those who continue to use the woodland area whilst the investigation is ongoing. They recommend that people avoid walking alone in isolated areas, remain aware of their surroundings at all times, and carry a mobile phone for emergencies.
The increased police patrols will focus on the woodland paths and entry points, with officers available to speak to concerned members of the public and gather any information that might assist the investigation. A 1995 Tender Scheme success for North West Leicestershire District Council on the edge of Thringstone, this 3.7ha site is adjacent to existing Grace Dieu Wood.
Local community groups and walking clubs that regularly use the woods have been contacted by police and asked to share safety information with their members. Several groups have temporarily suspended their organised walks in the area until more information about the incident becomes available.
Appeal for Information
Leicestershire Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact them urgently. Those who were in the Grace Dieu Woods area on Thursday morning, particularly between 11am and midday, are especially encouraged to come forward.
Detective Inspector Tattersall’s appeal extends beyond those who may have witnessed the attack itself. She is keen to hear from anyone who may have seen vehicles parked unusually in the area, anyone acting suspiciously in the days leading up to the attack, or anyone who may have captured relevant footage on dashcams or mobile phones.
The investigation team has set up a dedicated incident room, and specialist officers trained in dealing with serious sexual offences are working around the clock to identify the perpetrator. Call 101, quoting incident number 267 of 2 October for anyone wishing to provide information to the investigation.
Community Impact
The attack has deeply affected the close-knit communities of Thringstone, Whitwick and Coalville, where Grace Dieu Woods serves as a cherished local amenity. Coalville is situated in North West Leicestershire, and the woodland area has long been considered one of the area’s natural treasures.
Local councillors have expressed their shock at the incident and have pledged to work with police to ensure public safety. Community safety partnerships are reviewing lighting and access arrangements around the woodland, though police stress that such attacks remain extremely rare.
Women’s safety groups in Leicestershire have renewed calls for increased measures to protect women in public spaces, pointing out that this incident highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety even in seemingly safe, daylight settings.
As the investigation continues, police maintain that catching the perpetrator is their absolute priority. They have assured the public that every available resource is being deployed to bring the attacker to justice and to prevent any further incidents.
Anyone with information about the attack should contact Leicestershire Police immediately on 101, quoting incident number 267 of October 2. In an emergency, always call 999.
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