Published: Tuesday, 29th September, 2009 2:12pm

Student sexually assaulted in late night attack

by Maxwell Kusi Obodum

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POLICE are warning women students to avoid going out alone at night after a 20-year-old was sexually assaulted after returning from a night out in town.

The victim was walking along Shinfield Road towards the entrance of the University of Reading campus this morning (Tuesday) at 2.30am when a man pounced and dragged her into bushes.

Detective Sergeant Steve Jennings, from Reading CID, said: "We are still trying to establish exactly what happened, but at this stage we believe the victim was able to fight off the offender and get to a place of safety."

He added: "I would like to urge students to think about their safety when they walk home from a night out in town. Please walk home in groups and do not let your friends walk home on their own."

The man was black, in his early twenties, 5ft 7ins tall and of slim build. He had short dreadlocks and wore a white T-shirt and jeans and is described as having very white teeth and a "funny smile". Police believe he followed her from the Kendrick Road area.

Anyone who witnessed the attack should call Det Sgt Jennings on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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