A 21-year-old who went jogging for the first time ever was grabbed by a stranger and stabbed FOUR times.
Maddi Forster has posted photos showing a series of puncture wounds in her leg after the random attack by a man dressed in black and wearing a face covering.
Terrified Maddi had decided to take up running but it ended with her having to fight off an assailant armed with a knife.
She was stabbed four times in her leg and only managed to escape after she managed to ”punch and kick myself out of his arms”.
Maddi shared her story on Facebook as a warning to others and police are hunting the mystery knifeman.
Posting online, Maddie said the attack happened while running along a cycle path in the Brook Road area of Kingswood, Bristol.
Maddi was stabbed four times sometime between 5pm and 6pm on Monday December 7.
She suffered several laceration-type injuries to her leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Maddi wrote on FB: ”WARNING TO ALL JOGGERS/ GIRLS ON THEIR OWN.
”Went for a run tonight along the cycle path in Warmley around the back of Kings Oak Academy when I was grabbed and attacked by an unknown male dressed in all black wearing a face covering and gloves.
“I was stabbed 4 times in the leg. Not sure what his intentions were as I wasn’t mugged and luckily managed to punch and kick myself out of his arms.
“PLEASE- this is my first and last time jogging, please go careful.”
A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We’re appealing for witnesses to an incident in the Brook Road area of Kingswood earlier today in which a 21-year-old woman was assaulted.
“The woman was jogging on the cycle path when she was approached by an unknown person and assaulted, sometime between 5pm and 6pm today (Monday 7 December).
“She suffered several laceration-type injuries to her leg and was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not life-threatening.
“Due to it being dark, the victim did not see the offender in detail, but said they may have been wearing dark clothing.
“Officers were deployed to the scene and have carried out a search of the area. Further enquiries are now taking place.
“We’re appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in this area to come forward. If you can help, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5220275007.”
Locals commented on Maddi’s post with heartfelt support – after what was a traumatic experience.
One user said: “DO NOT let your kids out on their own whilst that evil b*stard is out roaming free! Please be safe & aware.
“Absolutely gutted this has happened to our beautiful Maddie! Just thankful she is one tough cookie and managed to get away.”
Another said: “Thank you so much for sharing this, I run along there most Sunday mornings but early. This is really scary, I think I’ll avoid for now.
“I hope you are okay and I hope the b*stard is caught soon. Stay safe. Sending you good wishes for a speedy recovery.”
One person commented on the dangers of poorly lit cycle paths.
He said: “He was probably trying to stop you from being able to escape by wounding your leg.
“Hope he gets caught… It is also probably a good idea to stay away from all cycle tracks, parks and unlit or ‘untrafficked’ areas.. too many scumbags about these days.”
