WOMAN IN 20S RAPED IN EARLY MORNING ATTACK AS POLICE LAUNCH URGENT WITNESS APPEAL

Police have issued CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about the rape of a woman in Liverpool city centre. The victim, who is in her 20s, was reportedly raped by a man in Temple Lane, an alleyway off Victoria Street, close to OMG Liverpool bar and club at about 5.30am on Saturday morning.

Specialist detectives are supporting the victim as Merseyside Police continues to investigate.

Detective Sergeant Joe Rea said: "If you know this man please come forward now, as he may have vital information to assist us.

"We also think that there were other people in the vicinity who may have seen some of the incident, or be able to provide details. We need to speak to these people as a matter of urgency."

Det Sgt Rea continued: "Such a serious offence is extremely distressing, and specialist officers will continue to support the victim.

"We also understand the wider concern that this will cause in the community, and I want to assure people that we are assessing all possible evidence as a matter of high priority.

"So if you know anything, no matter how small the detail, please let us know and we can assess that information immediately."

Witnessed have been asked to pass on any information via @MerPolCC, Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 23000229360.

Anyone wanting to report a sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where they will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or alternatively they can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.

For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces, the Home Office has set up a pilot service StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk) for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, for example, because of street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, for example being followed or verbally abused.

2023-03-22T12:55:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd