A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 'horrific' attack left a woman fighting for her life.

The woman suffered a serious sexual assault and remains in a life-threatening condition.

Leicestershire Police said the victim was discovered near a children's play park off Cedar Road, Leicester at 4.45am on Friday.

Crime scene investigators and forensic specialists have cordoned off the scene as a search is carried out and officers scour for CCTV footage in the area.

On Tuesday morning, the force arrested a 56-year-old man from Leicester who was released on bail later that day.

Police investigating an attack on a woman who was found critically injured in a city park have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder

Officers have said their investigation is very much ongoing and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as the victim remains in a critical condition in hospital..

Detective Inspector Gareth Goddard, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Despite this arrest, our investigation is very much ongoing with a number of enquiries being progressed.

Forensic officers search the park on Cedar Road where a woman was subjected to a horrific sex attack

The scene was cordoned off after the woman was discovered critically injured

The woman was found at 4.45am last Friday in Cedar Road Playpark in Evington, Leicester

'This woman was subjected to a horrific assault and was left with injuries leaving her in hospital in a critical condition.

'If you think you may have information about this assault, but have not as yet contacted police, please urgently get in touch with us.

'Did you see the assault take place? Did you see anyone hanging around? Or did you see anyone travelling through the area who raised some suspicions? You may not think what you saw is significant, but he could assist our investigation.'