A woman attacked at knifepoint in a sexually motivated attack managed to fend off her attacker with a torch, police said.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack in Drumahoe, County Londonderry.

At around 22:00 BST on Friday, a woman in her twenties was walking through Drumahoe Park when a man approached her from behind.

The man punched the woman on the side of the head, dragged her into nearby trees and pushed her to the ground at knifepoint, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

After a struggle, the woman managed to hit the attacker in the face with her torch several times before breaking free and running for help.

The PSNI immediately attended to look for the attacker, but he had fled the scene.

Detective Inspector Ross Olphert said: “The victim has understandably been left traumatized and extremely distressed by this ordeal.

“Our specialist officers continue to support her today and a full investigation is underway.

“Attacks like this are an attack on all of us. Women should be free to continue with their lives free from any threat,” she added.

The PSNI is appealing to anyone who was in the park on Friday night to come forward with information.