A woman taking her dog for an early morning walk has been subjected to a horrifying sex attack.

The 50-year-old was strolling in Wibsey Park, Wibsey, Bradford, at 6.25am yesterday when she was approached from behind and forced into nearby bushes and set upon.

Detectives today urged anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward and appealed for information about a car seen parked nearby.

They said the woman - who lives locally - was subjected to a serious sexual assault during which she suffered a number of injuries.

After the attacker fled, she ran to a friend's house nearby where they raised the alarm.

Police arrived at the scene and the woman was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary. She was released after receiving treatment to her injuries.

So far she has been unable to provide an accurate description of her attacker but specially-trained officers were continuing to speak with her today.

Scenes of Crime Officers were called to the area yesterday to carry out searches in the hunt for clues.

Detective Inspector Rob Sumner, who is leading the investigation, said he wanted to hear from anyone who was around the park at the time.

At this stage Det Insp Sumner said there was no evidence to suggest that the attack was linked to an incident in Wibsey Bank, Odsal, at 2am on Saturday. There, a 28-year-old woman was grabbed from behind by a man who ran off when a car drove past.

But he said he was keeping an open mind on the matter and as a matter of course would also study any relevant reports from the area.

Officers are also seeking information about an old, dark coloured, Sierra-type car which was seen parked in the entrance of the park at the time of yesterday's incident.

Det Insp Sumner said this may or may not be linked to the attack and urged its owner, or anyone who recognised it, to come forward.

"For a woman to be attacked in a park like this is absolutely horrific.

"She has been put through a terrible ordeal and is obviously very traumatised by it."

Anyone who has any information should contact Bradford Police on (01274) 376459.