Woman recovering after being stabbed early Thursday morning

A woman is recovering in the hospital after being brutally attacked early Thursday morning in downtown Wilmington.

Police are looking for whoever is responsible.

The 24-year-old Wilmington woman was walking alone around 1 a.m. Thursday when she was sexually assaulted and stabbed several times.

It happened in a church courtyard at Third and Market Streets.

Police are investigating. WPD spokesperson Lucy Crockett says it is early to talk about the investigation, but they expect to make good progress.

Whoever committed the crime is facing charges of attempted first degree rape and assault with a deadly weapon.

Crockett said in no way did the victim cause what happened, but does want to remind people to avoid walking alone at night.

“It’s important for everyone to remember that we live in a city, and it’s a great city and it offers a lot, but like all city dwellers, we have to take certain precautions and we need to be aware of our surroundings. We need to exercise caution,” said Crockett.

Police are giving the victim time to recover before questioning her about what she remembers.

That part of town is highly populated, so police hope witnesses will come forward.

If you know anything about the attack, call the Wilmington Police Department at 910-343-3600.