Teenager arrested over 'horrific' attack on woman in Leicester park

Suspected assailant, 17, picked up after brutal late night incident in city's Victoria Park in which victim dragged from well-lit path into bushes and beaten

Officers said the woman was attacked with such ferocity that her assailant would have been heavily bloodstained (PA)

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over an attack on a woman that left her with “horrific” life-threatening injuries.

The woman, aged in her 20s is believed to have been attacked at around 11.40pm on Monday in Victoria Park, Leicester, and remains in a critical condition, police said.

The teenager was held on Tuesday evening and taken into custody for questioning by detectives.

Leicestershire Police renewed their appeal for information about the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Widdowson said: “This was an horrific assault and has left a young woman in an extremely serious condition in hospital.

“We still need to trace anyone who may have been in the area of Victoria Park late last night or in the early hours of today and who may have seen something which can help us with our enquiries.

“I need to speak to anyone who was in the park between 11.30pm yesterday and 12.40am today.

“You may not think what you saw is significant, but we still want to speak to you.”

The park was sealed off by forensics officers on Tuesday as they searched the area where the woman was dragged into bushes.

Detective Superintendent Neil Castle said the woman had been walking alone across a well-lit section of the park before the attack.

Officers said the woman was attacked with such ferocity that her assailant would have been heavily bloodstained.

Mr Castle said: “Whilst crossing the park she was attacked and subsequently dragged into some bushes, where she was seriously assaulted. She sustained horrific injuries.”

The woman was found near recycling bins around an hour later.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

Press Association