Man Charged With Attempted Rape

Police are trying to trace two women who witnessed an assault in Fareham on Christmas Eve.

At around 7pm on December 24, an 18-year-old woman was standing in the car park in Civic Centre Way near Fareham Borough Council’s offices when a man approached her and grabbed her.
 
The victim was subjected to an assault before two women walked past, frightening her attacker away. The two women asked the victim if she was alright but left the scene before their details could be taken.
 
DC Pete Lavin of Gosport CID said:

 “We would like to hear from these two ladies as they are crucial witnesses to this incident.
 
“We know they stopped to ask the victim if she was ok so hopefully they will remember this incident and come forward.”
 
The women are asked to contact Gosport CID on 101.
 
A 24-year-old Fareham man was arrested and charged with attempted rape following the incident. He appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on December 26 and was remanded to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court tomorrow (Jan 4).