Police continue to appeal for witnesses to Tarka Trail assault
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm.
Last updated 27th Jun 2025
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses following a report of an assault of a teenage girl on the Tarka Trail near Bideford.
It was reported to have took place at around 5pm on Wednesday 5th of June. The girl was walking between between the Iron Bridge and Heritage Railway Station, towards Bideford, when she was grabbed by a man and pulled towards the bushes.
The suspect is described as white, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with wrinkled, dirty facial skin. He had noticeably perfect white teeth, short messy blonde hair and drawn-down cheekbones.
The suspect was wearing black work trousers and a plain, sleeveless white top without sleeves. He later put on a plain, white-sleeved jumper with a hood and a pocket on the belly and left the scene going towards Bideford.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Emma Lefort, said: “We are appealing to anyone who was walking or cycling in the area between the Iron Bridge and Heritage Railway Station, near Bideford, between 5pm and 6pm on Wednesday 25 June who may have seen anything concerning or any suspicious activity, to contact us."
“It has been reported that two people went past on bikes and another man was there on foot, who we would like to speak to.”
The two cyclists were described as a man and a woman who were cycling together towards Bideford. The victim believes the man saw her and that she spoke to him, but he did not answer her. He is described as in his late 50s or early 60s, riding a black bike,
The victim also described another man in his 50s or 60s, dressed all in blue, wearing circular glasses, who was tall with straight brown hair and spoke with people in the area at the time.
DI Lefort continued: “I would like to appeal to these individuals to come forward as we believe they may have witnessed the incident or may have seen a man in a white top, interacting with or walking with a teenage girl, on or around the Iron Bridge at around 4.30-5pm."
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the suspect walking along the Tarka Trail from either direction (from Bideford or Torrington)."
“This type of incident is rare in our area and members of the public are likely to see a heightened police presence as enquiries are ongoing.”
Officers have arrested man his 40s on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage, can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 50250162243.