A TEENAGE girl fought off an attacker after he attempted to rape her in Leominster.

Police say the girl left the Grange at approximately 8.20pm but, as she walked along a footpath between the Priory and Paradise Court, she was stopped by a man who asked for a light.

As she leaned in to light his cigarette he grabbed her and pushed her up against the wall where he sexually assaulted her.

Despite falling to the floor, she managed to kick him several times and ran off towards Paradise Court.

The man is described as being white with a tanned complexion, around 20 years old and of average height and build. He spoke with a local accent.

He had medium-length dark brown or black hair and was wearing a red top and dark jogging bottoms.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees, who is leading the investigation, said: “This kind of sexual assault by a stranger is very rare yet very concerning and West Mercia Police treat any reports of this nature with the utmost seriousness.

“Thankfully the girl involved was very brave and got away, but we are treating this as an attempted rape and a thorough investigation is now underway.

“Due to the seriousness of the incident, extra uniformed patrols are taking place in the vicinity to reassure residents of Leominster, so there will be a larger policing presence for the coming days.

“A team of detectives has been working hard on the case gathering as much evidence as possible and specially trained officers have fully interviewed the girl over the weekend.”

Police want to hear from anyone who was in the areas of the Grange and the Priory last Friday evening.

Anyone with information can call DI Rees on 101 with reference number 0686s 04/04/14.