Man arrested after Isle of Wight cycle track sex attack

Police have questioned a 49-year-old man from Ryde

The assault happened on the cycle track between Cowes and Stag Lane
Author: Jason BeckPublished 2nd Jul 2023

A man has been arrested by police investigating reports an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a cycle track on the Isle of Wight.

Police were told the woman was attacked by a stranger on the Cowes to Newport track on Tuesday evening.

After the assault, the man exposed himself and the woman ran off, police said.

The 49-year-old suspect from Ryde was questioned on suspicion of sexual assault and later released on conditional bail.

Police said they also received a report of an indecent exposure on the coastal path near Marsh Street in Gurnard on Thursday afternoon.

Inspector Matt Gooding said: "These are shocking incidents which have been understandably distressing for the people involved.

"We are investigating these incidents as a priority and have had officers actively patrolling the areas, in addition to following up urgent enquiries to identify the man responsible."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.