A KNIFE-wielding attacker who lurked in a phone box before ambushing a woman in Crewe may have been intending to commit a sexual assault, police have confirmed.

A 29-year-old woman was attacked by a man as she walked along Badger Avenue on Friday afternoon.

The victim escaped with a minor injury following a struggle with the man, who was described as having a foreign accent.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At around 3pm on January 15 a 29-year-old woman was walking along Badger Avenue, Crewe towards the junction of Ford lane when she was attacked by a man in a phone box.

“As she walked past a telephone kiosk at the junction of Ford Lane she was grabbed by a man who was inside the telephone kiosk and an attempt was made to drag her back towards the kiosk.

“The victim managed to get away and alerted police. The offender had in his possession a knife at the time and the victim received a minor injury.”

Officers investigating the motive for the attack believe it may have been the intention to commit a sexual assault.

Cheshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was attacked by a man in Badger Avenue.

The offender is described as white with dark brown eyes and of medium build and average height. He was wearing a black woolly hat, a scarf which covered his face, dark trousers and black gloves.

The victim described him as having a foreign accent. 

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 546 of January 15, 2016.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.