A German woman suffered a harrowing sexual assault inside her motorhome in Almeria over the weekend, it has been claimed.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested following the violent attack near the mouth of the Andarax River at around 5.30pm on Sunday (June 21).

According to police sources cited by Diario de Almeria, the suspect forced his way into the vehicle armed with a knife and a wooden stick.

The newspaper reported the suspect is of Sub-Saharan African origin, although this has yet to be confirmed by the police.

Authorities said the man was unable to carry out a rape, but that the victim, 44, suffered severe injuries during the attack.

Reports indicate she was left with serious facial injuries as well as multiple cuts, bruises and other wounds across her body.

The assault was interrupted when a passer-by heard screams coming from inside the motorhome and went to investigate.

The witness reportedly found the suspect partially undressed and on top of the victim. In an attempt to stop the attack, he repeatedly sounded his car horn, causing the suspect to flee into nearby vegetation.

The witness immediately contacted the Policía Nacional and patrols arrived within minutes and found the woman seriously injured.

After receiving emergency treatment at the scene, she was transferred to Almería’s Maternal and Child Hospital, where the protocol for sexual assault victims was activated, involving forensic and gynaecological specialists.

Meanwhile, officers launched a search for the suspect and eventually located him hiding among vegetation close to the crime scene.

When confronted, the man ran towards the sea and entered the water in an apparent attempt to escape.

Despite strong winds and rough conditions, he reportedly swam around 100 metres offshore before becoming exhausted and showing signs of distress.

In a dramatic rescue operation, five police officers entered the water to save him.

Authorities said the suspect offered little cooperation during the rescue, making the operation even more difficult.

Officers eventually managed to bring him back to shore, where they placed him in the recovery position until he expelled swallowed seawater and regained normal breathing.

All five officers later required medical treatment for injuries sustained during the rescue.

The suspect, who was reportedly carrying no identification and whose identity is still being formally confirmed, was taken to hospital before being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and causing bodily harm.

Police said the actions of the witness who intervened and the officers who carried out the rescue were crucial in preventing the attack from becoming even more serious and ensuring the suspect could be brought before the courts.