A 21-year-old woman was grabbed and stabbed four times in the leg on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path this evening.
Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the assault which happened near Kings Oak Academy.
It is the latest in a series of reports of crimes and anti-social incidents on the path which have been causing mounting concern. Several have been in the Fishponds, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill area and last week a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Tonight police said the young woman was jogging on the path when she was approached by an unknown person and assaulted, sometime between 5pm and 6pm.
“She suffered several laceration-type injuries to her leg and was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not life-threatening.
“Due to it being dark, the victim did not see the offender in detail, but said they may have been wearing dark clothing.
“Officers were deployed to the scene and have carried out a search of the area. Further inquiries are now taking place.
“We’re appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in this area to come forward. If you can help, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5220275007.”
Speaking to the South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet meeting just this afternoon Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillor Ian Boulton said that despite the arrest of a teenager last week it is thought there are more suspects, and public concerns need to be addressed.
He urged Cabinet members to work with the police and partners at the West of England Combined Authority to urgently develop and publicise an action plan in response to these recent incidents.
In response Cllr Rachael Hunt, who is the Cabinet Member for Communities, said she would raise the matter with South Glos Council’s community safety team.
