The prime suspect in a vicious attack on a lone woman jogger has fled the Island and could be heading back to his native Scotland, say Police.

The 32-year-old computer technician flew to London on the British Airways flight on Saturday evening just hours after the attack in Parsons Lane, Devonshire.

Driving a white Daihatsu hatchback he had knocked his 42-year-old victim down near Bermuda Water Works and then asked her if she was all right.

She stated she was fine and tried to ask the man for his name and contact details when he tried to force her into the front seat of his car.

The woman managed to break free, but the suspect pursued her, grabbing hold of her, punching her in the head repeatedly and gripping her by the neck.

He then dragged his victim to some nearby bushes where he hit her repeatedly all over her body.

The victim managed to get away this time and scream for help and passing motorists stopped to help her as the suspect sped away.

The woman, who is from Devonshire, suffered bruising to the neck and face and an injury to the right eye during the attack which occurred shortly after nine a.m.

Inspector Tracey Adams said there was definite information on the suspect?s whereabouts.

?He could be heading to Scotland.?

However one friend of the alleged attacker said he believed he was now in London, where he used to work before coming to the island about three years ago.

Inspector Adams said an arrest warrant had not been issued but would only be done so when the victim positively identifies him from photos.

He said the man who came to her aid had given a helpful statement and backed up what the victim had said about the attack.

One friend of the suspect said he had spent the previous night drinking together at a Hamilton bar and the two parted company just an hour or so before the alleged attack.

He said: ?He seemed calm and OK to me. I was supposed to meet him for a drink that night but he didn?t show up.?

Other sources said the suspect, who was well known around Hamilton?s bars, had recently started using drugs but the attack was out of character.

Police describe the suspect as white, around 5ft 8-10ins with strawberry blond/mousy brown hair and a Scottish accent. Witnesses should contact Inspector Tracey Adams on 299-4535.