A man has been charged with attempting to rape a woman in Bebington, Merseyside. Michael Eccles, 51, of Juliet Avenue, Bebington, is set to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, July 14.
Incident Details
At approximately 3:25 pm on Sunday, June 14, Merseyside Police received a call from a member of the public reporting concerns for a woman's safety in Bebington Cemetery on Town Lane. Officers attended the scene and arrested a man. Eccles was later charged with attempted rape and common assault.
Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Constable David Johnston is appealing for two potential witnesses, a man and a woman who were walking past the cemetery at around 3:20 pm. “We are continuing to support the victim as our investigation continues. We are particularly looking to speak to two people, a man and a woman walking past, who we think may have witnessed some of this incident but are yet to make themselves known,” DC Johnston said. “If you are those people, or were passing by at around 3.20pm and saw or heard anything concerning, please come forward as soon as possible as it may assist our work.”
How to Report Information
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, report via the police website, or call 101 quoting incident reference 26000473574. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Support for Victims
DC Johnston added: “Be assured that in all such investigations, specialist teams are here to support victims with sensitivity and compassion, every step of the way. I would continue to urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, or through our partner agencies.” To report a sexual offence, call 101 for specially trained officers or Crimestoppers anonymously. In an emergency, always call 999.
Victims of sexual offences can access free specialist support services without a referral or prior police report. For children and young people, NSPCC (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) offer help. Support is also available through RASA Merseyside (0151 558 1801) and RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside (01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063).
