POLICE are hunting a man who stopped to help a 33-year-old woman motorist struggling to mend a puncture, and then proceeded to rape her in the back seat of her car while it was parked in a lay-by at Trerulefoot.
The woman's ordeal, which lasted for many hours, began around 11.15am on Wednesday. She had been travelling from Cornwall towards Plymouth to visit relatives and was first approached by one motorist who then drove off, saying he would seek assistance. He never returned, but a second man, driving a silver Renault car, stopped. Initially he helped with the puncture, but then forced the woman inside her blue saloon car, and kept her in the back seat while he stayed in the front.
Locks in the car apparently ensured she could not escape, and after some time the man climbed over the seat and raped her. Eventually he returned to his own vehicle and drove off eastwards along the A38.
Police say he is aged between 52-56, 5' 9"-5' 11" tall with greying hair which is swept to one side, a pitted complexion and a large nose. He was wearing a grey suit with white shirt and tie, and was quite smart in appearance.
The woman reported her ordeal to the police around 9pm. They are now searching for the silver Renault driver and would like to hear from anyone who has any information regarding it or the driver. They would also like to hear from the first driver who said he would fetch help, and anyone who saw the silver Renault and the blue saloon parked next to each other in the layby.
A police spokesman said: 'This was an absolutely awful ordeal. The cars were together for a considerable time, so we are appealing for anyone who saw the cars in that lay-by to get in contact.'
The woman's car is undergoing a full forensic examination in the search for clues, and CCTV camera film is also being examined.
Anyone with information can contact the police on 0990 777 444, or on the confidential Crimestoppers number which is 0800 555 111.