Teenage girls attacked

From the archive, first published Saturday 17th Mar 2007.

Police are hunting a man who attacked two teenage girls at Haworth.

The girls - aged 13 and 14 - were assaulted as they walked along Ebor Lane.

One of the youngsters suffered a black eye and cut lip after being punched in the face.

Both were taken to Airedale Hospital for treatment.

Police say the attack - at about 7pm on Thursday - was vicious and unprovoked, and they are appealing for help from the public to track down the culprit.

The suspect is described as white, slim and about 5ft 9in/5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a grey hooded top - with the hood partially covering his face - and tracksuit bottoms with two white stripes running down them.

Detective Inspector John Mountain, of Keighley CID, said: "This was a nasty attack on two young friends and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information. Because the attacker's face was obscured there is no detail of facial features or age, but if anybody recognises the description and has suspicions we would ask them to come forward."

He said the suspect had engaged the girls in conversation before walking off in a different direction, but moments later one of the youngsters turned round and discovered the man running towards them.

One girl was then punched and the other assaulted as she went to her friend's aid.

The man then ran off.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Keighley CID on 01535 617083.