A MAN tried to drag a woman into a copse as she made her way home after a night out in Redditch.

It happened in Salters Lane between 2am and 3am on Saturday, July 13.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman dressed as a blue alien from the film Avatar, was approached by the man after she fell over.

He asked her if she wanted help and although she declined, he was persistent.

They walked up Hewell Road on to a footpath off Salters Lane, opposite the junction of Oak Tree Avenue, which leads to Brockhill via a park.

They walked over a small bridge and the victim told the man she would be fine to do the rest of the journey on her own.

He then grabbed her by the wrist and tried to pull her off the path. She grabbed his shirt, ripping it, and ran off.

The man walked off into the trees.

He is described as white, over 6ft tall, heavy set, aged 35 to 45, and with a puffy face, and light curly hair.

He was wearing a white short sleeved linen shirt and only one shoe.

PC Stuart Head of West Mercia Police said the incident was being treated as an assault.

He said: “We don’t know what the man’s intention was and although the victim was unhurt she was clearly frightened.

“During the time she was walking with the man two boys asked her if she was OK and she answered yes.
“We would very much like to speak to these boys, or anyone else with information. Anyone who saw the woman and the man is likely to remember them, given that she was dressed as an alien and he only wore one shoe.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who knows someone of this description who came home in the early hours of Saturday missing a shoe and with their shirt ripped.”

Witnesses or anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident 110-s-130713 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.