Woman ‘grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted’ near M1 motorway services

The reported incident happened in Baines Lane - an access road off the A47 Hinckley Road

19:58, 28 Apr 2026

Stock image of a police car(Image: Coventry Telegraph)

A woman was 'grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted' near the M1 motorway services.

The woman, who is in her 20s, 'was pulled to the ground before she was attacked'.

It wasn't until she shouted for help that the culprit stopped his assault and fled the scene, police said.

The suspect is described as white, in his 50s and of slim build.

He had grey hair and a grey beard, police said.

Leicestershire Police said: "We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following a report of a sexual assault that occurred near the southbound M1 services in Leicester Forest East.

"The incident happened in Baines Lane - an access road off the A47 Hinckley Road - at around 6.45pm on Saturday, April 25.

"The victim, a woman in her 20s, was grabbed from behind by a man while she walked along Baines Lane towards Hinckley Road.

"He pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

"When she began shouting for help, he ran off towards the southbound services.

"Officers [were] in Baines Lane on Sunday carrying out further enquiries to try and identify the person responsible.

"Specially trained officers are also providing support to the victim.

"The victim described the man as white, in his 50s and of a slim build with grey hair and a grey beard.

"He was wearing a black and white short sleeved top.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who saw a man matching this description to come forward."

Police are now urging anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall said: "Although Baines Lane is an access road, we do know it's used by people to get onto the M1 southbound.

"I'm appealing for anyone with dashcam footage who was at the services between 5pm and 7pm to get in touch.

"Any information you're able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, could help."

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The force added: "You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/[4] and quoting reference 26*238050.

"Alternatively call 101."

References

1. ^ The disturbing digital trail left by racist monster who raped Sikh woman he thought was Muslim (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Secret to getting the best of BirminghamLive's stories (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ (www.leics.police.uk)