A woman attacked with a knife in a sexually motivated attack was able to fight off her attacker with a torch, police said.

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

At around 10pm BST on Friday, a woman in her twenties was walking in Drumahoe Park when a man approached her from behind.

The man hit the woman on the side of the head, dragged her into nearby trees and pushed her to the ground with a knife, 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 responded to search for the attacker but he fled the scene.

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

“Our specialist officers are continuing 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 go about their lives without any threat,” he added.

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