Woman is attacked whilst picking mushrooms in Beaconsfield

In between 2.30pm and 5pm on Tuesday, June 1, the woman was in a wooded area by the sports pitches and the overbridge of the M40 near to the Hall Barn Estate, Beaconsfield where she struck at the back of her head.

She believes it was by a hand when she was crouched down.

She fended off the culprit by screaming and swearing at him before he ran off.

The woman suffered a slight injury to her arm and ankle and did not require hospital treatment.

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The culprit has been described as a white man who was wearing a black tracksuit and tatty old white trainers.

He also had a black hooded top with the hood up, a face mask, had rough hands with dirty fingernails and is believed to be aged in his 50s with a small build.

He is just under 6ft tall.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Lucie Clarke, based at Amersham police station, said: “This is a concerning incident in which a woman was assaulted while she was out collecting mushrooms.

It happened near the M40

“Thankfully, she was not seriously injured, although was obviously shaken by the ordeal.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity and believe that they witnessed any suspicious activity or a man matching the description of the offender running away, to please get in touch with police.

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“You can do so by reporting online or by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43210241124.

“You can also report 100 per cent anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We are keeping an open mind as to the offender’s motive, but this appears to be an isolated incident with no other similar incident being reported.

“I would urge anybody with any information to please get in touch with police.”