Police have a prime suspect but no new leads in the hunt for the driver who knocked over a woman jogger before attempting to abduct her and then beating her up.

The fugitive, a Scottish computer expert in his early 30s, has been on the run from his Pembroke home since the attack at 9 a.m. on Saturday near Bermuda Water Works on Parsons Lane, Devonshire. Police are still checking to see whether the suspect has left the Island.

The 42-year-old victim was knocked to the ground by the man who tried to force her into his white hatchback but when she broke free the man caught her and dragged her into bushes where he repeatedly punched her. But passing motorists came to her aid and the man escaped. One source described the incident out of character and springing from drug use.

Police have refused to name the suspect but friends of his appealed for him to come forward after expressing fears he may have taken his own life.

One friend said: ?No one can believe he would do something like that. We fear something might have happened to him. He might have got down on himself.

?If he did what they say he did then we feel for the person that it happened to.?

The understands the Daihatsu Charade car used in the alleged assault has been taken in for evidence but efforts to find the suspect have drawn blanks.

A Police spokesman reminded the public that harbouring fugitives is a criminal offence but there had been no sightings or leads into the case.

The suspect is white, with mousy/sandy hair and 5ft 8in-10in with a strong Scottish accent. Witnesses should call Inspector Tracey Adams on 299 4535.