A manhunt is taking place in Mid Devon today after was a woman suffered a "number of significant injuries" in a serious assault.
Police are searching for a 44-year-old man in connection with the violent attack in Tiverton on Friday.
Emergency services, including armed police and dog handlers, were called to the Park Road area at about 5.30pm.
A police helicopter was seen in the area, and at least 10 officers were seen close to Moorhayes Community Centre, where a number of vehicles were parked.
The 27-year-old woman sustained a number of injuries in the attack, and was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Exeter for treatment.
Devon and Cornwall Police said there was no "firearm risk" to the public.
Duty inspector Graham Thomas said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around 5.30pm who may have witnessed anything to come forward."
He said police were keen to reassure members of the public about the nature of the crime and said there was no danger to the public at large.
"This was not a random attack on a lone female walker. We believe the man we are searching for had a connection to the victim," he said.
If you have any information, call police on 101, quoting crime reference 708 of August 29th.
