Shock ‘random’ attack

■ Man ‘tried to push sandwich’ into mouth of woman, 70, and punched her cheek as she walked along the street ■ Police link incident to another attack on a dog walker

A 70-year-old woman was assaulted by a man in Horsham last Thursday evening (May 14), police said this week.

The woman was walking along Kings Road about 7.20pm when the man approached her and tried to push a sandwich he was eating into her mouth before punching her on the cheek, police said in a statement.

“The assault appears to have been totally unprovoked and completely random,” a spokesman said.

“The victim remembers a jogger running past at the time who may have been witness to the incident.

“The incident is being linked to another incident on April 22, when a man randomly assaulted a 55-yearold woman walking her dog in Coltsfoot Drive, kicking her several times to the leg resulting in heavy swelling and bruising.”

Police are appealing for witnesses who have be able to assist their investigation.

“If you were witness to or have any information regarding the above incidents, please report online or call 101 quoting reference 1232 of 14/05,” the spokesman added.

A 66-year-old man from Horsham has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, police said. He has been released under investigation.

● Police have stepped up patrols at Sussex beauty spots in a crackdown on thieves.

Officers say that rural areas are a target for criminals during lockdown.

Police community support officers are liaising with farmers and countryside businesses offering crime prevention advice.

Anyone who sees any suspicions behaviour can report it online or call 101.