Taunton Sex Assault

Police investigating an alleged sexual assault on a young woman in Taunton last month have released CCTV images of a man they want to talk to.

The 20-year-old victim was followed by a man as she walked through the town centre at around 2.35am on Thursday 27 November.

When she reached Kilkenny House in Cheddon Road, the man grabbed and sexually assaulted her.

The first images show the man on a bicycle in The Parade at about 2.11am and then by the Pitcher and Piano pub off Corporation Street.

He is then shown with without his bike and with his hood up walking past the Money Shop in North Street and then the Crown and Sceptre pub in Station Road.

The man in the images is described as white, about 5ft 8ins, of skinny build, in his late thirties, with stubble.

He was wearing a green jacket with a hood over the top of a light coloured grey or white hooded top, and loose fitting cream or light coloured trousers. He was generally scruffy looking.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Darren Bowden said:

“Following further investigative work we are now able to release this series of images which shows a man initially cycling past the victim (not pictured) and then later walking behind her through the town centre.

“It was a period of around 20 minutes from the first CCTV image to the time the victim was assaulted.

“I can confirm we are taking a close look into whether there is a link between this incident and any others in the area.

“Two men previously arrested in connection with this investigation have been released without charge and we are now focussing on identifying the man in these images and we are asking the public to help us with this.

“If you think your recognise him, please call in with a name or any information you have – it could prove to be crucial to our inquiry.”

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to contact Detective Consable Bowden on 101.