Tiverton Mayor Neal Davey has reassured the people of Tiverton that an attack on a young woman in a copse near an old railway line was an isolated incident.

The 17-year-old was approached by the man between 4.30pm and 6.30pm last Tuesday, March 13.

She was pushed to the ground as she walked along the old railway line which connects Beech Road to Lea Road, and divides housing in Pinnex Moor Road and the Moorhayes housing estate in Tiverton.

The woman received minor scratches only, but was left very shaken.

Mayor Neal Davey said: “It’s important to remember that this is a one off – it’s a very rare occurrence in Tiverton. Normally, it’s a safe town, but like anywhere else occasionally something happens.

“People should remain diligent and be careful, particularly after dark.”

Police are looking for a white man, about 5ft 6ins tall, in his late 20s and of average build.

He was wearing a black hooded sweat top with the hood raised over his head, described by the police as “fitted” but “not tight” on the suspect.

In the breast area of the suspect’s top was a white ‘adidas’ logo, but it did not have any other ‘adidas’ stripes on it.

The man was also wearing pale blue denim jeans.

He spoke only to say “shut up” to the victim and had a non-English accent, which police have described as “possibly eastern European.”

Anyone who has any information about the assault is urged to call the police on 101 and quote log number 222 14/3/12.