Police issue CCTV in appeal for witnesses after rape

Detectives investigating the rape of a woman in Great Homer Street on Sunday are issuing CCTV stills of witnesses we urgently need to speak to.

The stills are of a group of three women, and a separate group of four men.

At approximately 3.30am on Sunday 1 December, a call was received reporting a woman being found in a distressed state in Great Homer Street, having been approached from behind by a man and dragged into bushes. The offender was disturbed by a member of the public and the man ran off towards Great Nelson Street.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, in his 20s, and wearing a dark puffa-style microlight jacket with a hood.

Detective Inspector Catherine Cox said: “Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since Sunday and we are determined to find the person responsible and take them off the streets.

“I want to make it clear that we just want to speak to these people as witnesses. From our CCTV enquiries, we believe that they may have seen the suspect and victim in the vicinity of Lime Street at around 3.15am. These witnesses then walked along Lime Street in the direction of London Road. They may not realise that they have information that is potentially of vital importance.

“If you recognise yourself in these images, or know any of these people, come forward right away as your information may be vital in identifying the man responsible for this shocking attack.

“Likewise, if anyone else has information at all about the incident, tell us.”

You can contact specialist officers on (0151) 777 1382 @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 19100702360, or alternatively pass information on via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.