Manhunt after sex attack on woman, 56

A Putonghua-speaking man is being sought by police after he tied up and tried to rape a female security guard in Sha Tin.

The man broke off the attack when the 56-year-old victim lied that she had a venereal disease, police said.

The attack, on Tuesday evening, sparked a four-hour manhunt by police near the Sha Tin Heights section of Tai Po Road. More than 40 officers from the police tactical unit joined the search.

There has been no arrest in the case, which police classified as one of robbery and indecent assault.

The woman was on duty alone in a guard hut on government land when she was attacked at about 8.30pm. The site is used to store bicycles confiscated from city streets.

She told police that the attacker threatened her with a knife and tied her up. 'He then sexually assaulted the victim and tried to rape her,' a police officer said.