*This story contains details of a sexual assault. Links to support services are listed at the bottom of this article*
Detectives investigating a rape in Southport in the early hours of Friday (27 December) have issued CCTV images of a man they believe could assist their enquiries.
It was reported a woman had been raped by a man in the toilets of the Chop House pub on Scarisbrick Avenue between midnight and 2am on Friday.
Enquiries are underway and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.
Officers have issued CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to as they believe he could assist with the investigation.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “This was an incredibly shocking and frightening ordeal for the victim. Rape and sexual assault can have a huge and long-lasting impact on victims, and our specialist Unity team will provide specialist support to her throughout the investigation and beyond.
“As part of enquiries to establish the full circumstances, locate the offender and bring him to justice, we are issuing CCTV images of a man we believe could assist us.
“We encourage the man, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us as a matter of urgency.
“It is important that people who socialise in Southport and right across Merseyside feel safe on nights out, and we will hope that our high visibility patrols will assist with that.
“I would always encourage members of the public to engage with our officers and report any suspicious or unusual activity so we can take immediate action.”
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 24001083885. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
If you have been a victim of sexual offence you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services. This help is also available to family and friends who are supporting the survivor.
These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.
If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court processes.
You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police. Please search for RASA or RASASC (if residing in the St Helens and Knowsley area).
Support is available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
If you do not require immediate police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here:
https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside
Our campaign to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside. The link can be found here: #TakingAction to end Violence Against Women and Girls | Merseyside Police
For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service (StreetSafe | Police.uk) for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. being followed or verbally abused. Please note: ‘StreetSafe’ is not for reporting crime or incidents.
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