Downs Link sex assault: New club launches to boost runners’ safety

Village resident Mel Tilly set up Southwater Running Club to help keep runners safe after the attack, which happened on the Downs Link, at the junction of Marlpost and Two Mile Ash Road, around 7.20am on Tuesday.

Mel said: “I have always been a bit nervous running along the Downs Link on my own.

“I set it up so people don’t have to run alone if they don’t want to.”

She added that the attack, in which the woman was pushed to the ground, was a ‘reminder to everybody’.

Mel said: “It was a bit close to home and just made me think there’s definitely safety in numbers.

“It’s really rubbish that we should all feel unsafe in our home. We live in such a beautiful, amazing place.”

She added that she sees the club as an opportunity for people to meet like minded runners and that it is open to both men and women.

Mel said: “With enough runners there’s always somebody who can run at your level.”

The group, which Mel said she hopes will complement existing clubs, started with around 20 members but has soared to more than 100 in just 24 hours.

She added: “It’s nothing to replace any of the clubs. The clubs are amazing. I love Horsham Joggers.”

Police are hunting for a suspect who was riding a bicycle and wearing brown trousers and a distinctive red tartan padded jacket.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the assault, recognises the description of the suspect or has information to assist the police investigation to report it online or call 101 quoting reference Operation Morning.

To join the club see https://www.facebook.com/groups/1227474957627948/