Man Attacked Pregnant Woman

4 months after a heavily pregnant woman was attacked in her own home in Dorset, police have put out a new appeal to try and find her attacker.

Detectives investigating the attack on a Bournemouth woman are renewing their appeal for help from the public – with officers releasing an image of a man who may have vital information.

At approximately 10am on the morning of Thursday, 24 March 2011, Dorset Police attended an address along Norwich Avenue West in the West Hill area of Bournemouth where a 26-year-old woman had been assaulted by a man in her own home.

The victim, who was six months pregnant at the time of the attack, sustained bruising to her face and body and was treated at Poole Hospital.

Now officers are renewing their appeal for public help by releasing more details about the attack and an image of a man carrying a pull-along hosed vacuum cleaner.

Detective Inspector Stewart Balmer, of the Dorset Police Major Crime Team, said:

 "After answering a knock at the door, the victim was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava, hooded top and leather gloves.

"The man punched the victim in the face. She was knocked to the floor where the intruder continued to subject her to blows to the head and body.

"The woman was then taken to another room where she was made to sit down".

"Fortunately, at this point, an expected visitor – an estate agent – arrived at the premises and interrupted the attack."

Having been disturbed, the attacker ran from the premises along Norwich Avenue, turning left up Queens Road. Witnesses recall seeing a man carrying a rucksack and a vacuum cleaner.

DI Balmer continued:

"We were keen to ensure the safe and healthy arrival of the victim's baby before renewing our appeal. I can happily report that she gave birth to a healthy baby boy earlier this month.

"However, this was a horrific attack on a pregnant woman in her home. She has been left severely traumatised by the incident and I urge anyone with information to contact me as soon as possible.

"The motivation for this attack is not known and it is vital that we apprehend the offender.

"The victim has expressed her relief at the safe arrival of her son and would like to thank all her friends and family for their support during what has been a very difficult time."

The man is described as white, aged around 30, approximately six feet tall and of slender build.

He was wearing numerous layers of clothing on his top – the outer layer being described as a dark hooded top.

He wore dark bottoms and trainers.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number 24:135. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.