Frantic hunt for man seen on CCTV after woman ‘raped in middle night’ as cops launch urgent probe
A FRANTIC hunt is underway after a woman claims she was raped in the early hours.
Cops have shared CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to after the alleged attack on Saturday.
They believe he may be able to help after the woman, in her 40s, claims she was raped at a home in Toxteth, Merseyside.
Merseyside Police have released a statement and suggested that extensive enquiries are ongoing, including forensics and CCTV.
Detective Sergeant Rebecca Robinson of the specialist Unity Team said: “We are treating this incident extremely seriously and are conducting multiple enquiries as a matter of urgency.
“As part of this work, we would like to speak to the man pictured as soon as possible, as he may be able to assist. Please call us directly at the Unity Team on 0151 777 1382 if you recognise him.
“If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, please be assured that we have specially trained officers to guide you through the process.”
Merseyside Police have advised anyone wanting to report rape or serious sexual assault, call 101 to speak to a specially trained call handler.
The released images show a man with a beard looking into the camera.
He can be seen wearing a coat with the hood up.
How to report a sexual assault
- Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
- Contact a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership.
- Call the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.
- Speak to the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year).