Hunt Still On For IOW Festival Sex Attacker

Police are releasing a second E-fit picture in a fresh appeal to trace possible suspects and witnesses after an allegation of rape on the Isle of Wight.

Detectives from Isle of Wight CID are continuing to investigate a report that a 36-year-old woman from the island was raped by a man she did not know in Newport at approximately midnight on the morning of Monday, June 14, 2010.

It’s alleged the rape took place on a footpath off Fairlee Road in Newport near a shop named Seaclose Stores. The woman had been walking to a friend’s house after leaving the Isle of Wight Festival, which was taking place at Seaclose Park nearby.

Detectives are making enquiries into an allegation that a number of other men, all of whom had northern accents, were involved in the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape. All these men are believed to have been at the Isle of Wight Festival in the hours beforehand.

The release of a second E-fit picture follows two previous appeals by detectives during the fortnight following the Festival in June.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Colin Carpenter of Isle of Wight CID, said:  “I would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information over the past two months. Officers are following several lines of enquiry across the country to trace possible suspects and witnesses who we believe are not from the island.

“This was an unprovoked assault that has had a devastating and distressing effect on the victim. Specialist officers are working closely with the woman to support her during this difficult time and keep her informed about progress in the investigation.

“Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the men described in these two E-fit pictures or who may have seen or heard anything in relation to possible events surrounding this allegation.

“Enquiries to date suggest the possible suspects were with a small group of other men who may know more about exactly what happened. We are renewing our appeal to that group – did you see or hear anything directly? Perhaps you’ve overheard someone talking about the incident? Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital to us and I would urge you to contact the police as soon as possible.”

The first E-fit shows a man believed to have been involved in the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape. He was described as:

White
Aged in his 20s to 30s
5’10" tall
Dark hair
Beard, 4mm of growth and dark
Chiselled square jaw line
He was wearing blue jeans and a pale blue top

The second E-fit shows another man believed to have been involved in the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape. He was described as:

White
Aged 15 to 16
Baby faced.
5’3" to 5’4" tall
Light brown / blond short hair
He had a hoop in his left ear
He was wearing jeans and trainers, and a silver/grey shiny top/zip up coat.

 Anyone with information is asked to contact Isle of Wight CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.