New Appeal After Sexual Assault
9 June 2011, 06:21
Police are making a fresh appeal to trace possible suspects and witnesses nearly a year after a serious sexual assault was reported on the Isle of Wight.
Isle of Wight CID is continuing to investigate a report that a 36-year-old woman from the island was raped by a man she didn't know in Newport at approximately midnight on the morning of Monday, June 14, 2010.
As part of this new appeal, detectives are releasing more information about one of the men believed to have been involved.
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 at the time.
Detectives are focusing on an allegation that a number of other men, all of whom had northern accents, were linked to the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape.
Two E-fit pictures were issued in appeals last summer. Information was received about several possible suspects who were visited by detectives in different parts of the country. However, no further evidence was established to confirm their
involvement or make arrests.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Colin Carpenter of Isle of Wight CID said: “This was an unprovoked sexual assault that has had a devastating and distressing effect on the victim. Specialist officers are continuing to support
the woman during this difficult time.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contacted us following our previous appeals last summer. Detectives on this case remain eager to hear from anyone else who thinks they recognise the men described in the two E-fit pictures or who may have
seen or heard anything in relation to possible events surrounding this allegation.
“We’re now able to mention publicly that the man in the first E-fit is also described as having a word of some description tattooed on the left-hand side of his neck. This information has been kept confidential until now because it was important
to other enquiries that we wanted to complete discreetly first.
“Our investigation so far still suggests that the possible suspects were with a small group of other men who may well know more about exactly what happened. We’re also renewing our appeal to that group. Did you see or hear anything? Perhaps you’ve overheard someone talking about what happened? Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital to us and I would urge you to contact the police.”
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 ft 10 ins 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 ft 3 ins to 5 ft 4 ins 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.
Detective Inspector Colin Carpenter added: “I’d like to reassure local residents and visitors that there is no evidence at the moment to suggest this rape is linked to any other similar reports on the Isle of Wight or elsewhere in the country.
Most people who come to the island at this time of year have a good time and are not affected by crime. Nevertheless, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you to consider the consequences of irresponsible behaviour, particularly when sex with someone you know, or have just met, is involved.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Isle of Wight CID at Newport Police Station by phoning 0845 045 45 45 or emailing operation.helford@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
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.