Merseyside Police has increased its presence in New Brighton after a woman was raped.
The 45-year-old was attacked as she took a morning walk at around 7am on Bank Holiday Monday in the incident near to the promenade.
She was hit from behind, causing her to fall to the floor before being dragged up the hill and raped by the offender.
The offender is described as white, stocky build and approx. 5ft 5in to 5ft 10in tall.
He was wearing a light grey tracksuit with the hood pulled up, dark trainers and had his face covered.
Detectives are carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries and have been making inquiries in the area to see if anyone has seen anyone acting suspiciously.
Crime Scene Investigators also searched the area where the incident is believed to have happened.
DCI Bev Hyland, said: “Merseyside Police has launched an investigation following the report of a rape on a path in the coastal park near to Derby Pools car park this morning.
“The victim is understandably very distressed following her ordeal and specialist officers from the Unity Team are supporting the victim and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.
“We believe the attack happened at around 7am and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around that time, who may have seen or heard anything that could help us with our investigation.
“I am particularly interested in talking to two cyclists who were in the area around the time of the attack, they won’t have realised what had happened.
“But there is a chance they may have seen the offender, or someone acting suspiciously, and I would appeal to them to come forward.
“Although it was early on a Bank Holiday morning this is a popular spot for dog walkers and people jogging, so I would ask them, if they were in the area around that time, to think back and try to remember if they saw anything unusual, or anyone fitting the description of the offender.
She added: “Incidents such as this are very rare and I’d like to reassure the local community we are doing everything we can to catch the offender. People can expect to see a visible police presence in the area.”
Following the incident Merseyside Police is issuing the following general personal safety advice to members of the public, particularly women and young people walking in secluded areas, or late at night.
• Don’t talk to strangers
• If possible, avoid isolated areas
• Keep to main roads, don’t take short cuts
• Carry a personal attack alarm
• Walk with friends where possible
• Organise transport to and from your destination in advance
Anyone who has information which could help detectives with the investigation is asked to contact the Unity team on 0151 777 1382, or 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.