A WOMAN, who was attacked and sexually assaulted in her wheelchair in Skipton, has spoken of her ordeal in the hope that it will help find the gang responsible.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the Herald her life had been changed by the incident on May 7 when she was set upon by a gang of youths on Broughton Road.

Despite appeals and visits to local schools, police are still looking for her attackers.

They are described as a group of around 10 to 12 male youths, aged between 13 and 18, who ran through the bushes in Morrisons car park and across the road to reach their victim.

Four weeks after the incident she is hoping someone will find it in their hearts to come forward with information.

She said after she became confined to the wheelchair around 18 months ago, she had managed to retain her independence, but the attack had changed all that.

She explained: "I just feel a void, like someone has taken something from me that I will never get back. I have to think more about where I am going and I have never felt like that before.

Detective Constable Steve Menzies from Skipton CID said although they had received snippets of information the response from the pubic had been disappointing.

"It was a despicable attack and one that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible," he said.

In addition to members of the local community, he once again appealed to members of the gang who were not involved in the assault.

"They must feel very bad about what has happened. We will support them. We need to put a stop to what has been going on," he said.

Any information can be passed to DC Menzies via the police witness line on 01423 539334 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.