Women have been warned to take extra care after a sex attacker subjected a 15-year-old girl to a terrifying ordeal before throwing her in a canal.

The sickening assault has sent shock waves through the close-knit community in Windhill, Shipley, as police launched a major manhunt for her assailant.

And community leaders have urged residents to give up any information or suspicions they might have to help get the "vile" attacker behind bars.

The petrified girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was grabbed as she walked in Hall Lane and forced into the grounds of Christ Church in Church Street where she was subjected to what police described as a "serious sex assault".

Her attacker then frogmarched her three-quarters of a mile along Thackley Old Road towards a playground and down to a footpath towards the canal where he subjected her to a further serious sexual assault.

He then threw her in the canal and walked off leaving her floundering in the water.

But the traumatised girl managed to climb out of the canal and raise the alarm.

She has been able to give police a detailed description of her attacker who struck shortly after midnight on Tuesday as she walked in Hall Lane to a friend's house.

He was white, about 30, with short dark brown hair, 6ft tall, stocky, with a fat face and spoke with a deep Scottish accent.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a cream checked shirt, black jeans and trainers.

Detective Superintendent Tim Forber, who is leading the investigation, said he was "very confident" the attacker would soon be caught as he appealed for help from the community.

He said: "Even what might seem insignificant information could be important to this investigation.

"It's imperative people come forward. We are appealing for anyone who heard or saw anything between midnight and 2am at the time of the attacks to get in touch."

Det Supt Forber ruled out links with any other attacks in the area or with the search for missing rapist Kelly James Edney who went missing from a Bradford hostel on Monday.

He added: "We are treating this as an isolated incident but are keeping an open mind regarding the identity of the attacker."

An underwater search team has also been combing the canal for evidence to the attacks and officers have been scanning CCTV footage and making extensive inquiries.

Today a West Yorkshire police spokesman urged women to be on guard, particularly when out at night.

He said: "We would always advise women to take safety precautions when out at night."

Det Supt Forber said the girl was medically examined but not kept in hospital, and was now being looked after at home by her family and being supported by specially-trained police officers.

Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies, was at the scene of crime yesterday preserving evidence with police as part of his one- month work experience shadowing West Yorkshire Police.

He said: "Windhill has a strong sense of community and this will not dent it but I'd appeal to anyone with information to talk to police.

"No one would want to protect anyone who had done such a thing to a young girl. No one would want anyone like this in their neighbourhood. He needs to be taken off the streets, convicted and jailed for a very long time."

The three Windhill ward councillors also expressed their horror at the attack.

Councillor Vanda Greenwood (Lab) urged parents in the shocked community to keep a close eye on their children.

She said: "It's sickening. The community is in shock. No one knew what had happened at first but this is worse than any of us could have imagined. I'd urge people, especially those with children, to be extra careful. It's absolutely horrendous."

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab), a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, likened the feelings running high in the Windhill area to the time of the Yorkshire Ripper.

He said: "I can remember what it was like then. People were too scared to go out at night or to get into taxis, it just created an atmosphere of fear but we can't allow this terrible incident to dictate our lives.

"Everyone must be vigilant but they should not let it stop them going about their lives. Anyone with any information about this vile man must get in touch with police no matter how small."

Councillor Phil Thornton (Lab) said: "This has sent a real shock wave through our community. People are upset and worried.

"We have got to catch this predator before he strikes again."

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "You get groups gathering and drinking, being loud and noisy. You hear screams all the time so you get used to it and never take any notice. It'll be different now though."

The Reverend Sarah Jemison, of Christ Church, said: "I know people have been feeling perplexed and worried.

"Obviously when there are police cordons people are anxious and need reassuring they are not in danger. Yesterday I was at Hallcroft, the sheltered housing complex for older people just near the church, trying to calm them.

"I hope the community will stick together over this and help each other through this troubled and difficult time."