Staffordshire Police have launched a manhunt after a woman in her 20s was raped in broad daylight at Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The incident occurred between 11.30am and 11.50am on Wednesday, 17 June. The suspect, who had his face covered, was wearing all black clothing and is described as approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Police appeal for witnesses
Officers were called to the park shortly after 12pm on the same day. The victim reported the assault after the suspect fled the scene. Police are conducting a house-to-house trawl and reviewing CCTV footage from the area. They are also appealing for a male jogger who came to check on the woman after the incident to come forward.
In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: "We are appealing for information and potential witnesses to come forward following a report of a rape in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, shortly after 12pm on Wednesday (17 June) after a woman in her 20s reported that she had been raped. The suspect left the area after it happened. They were described as having their face covered, wearing all black clothing and approximately 6ft 2 inches tall."
Second incident on same day
Earlier on the same day, at around 9.05am, another woman was approached by a man in the same park. The woman, who was walking her dog, was on a path near the ice-cream shop when a man came from behind and told her he wanted to stroke her dog. He then walked off towards Chell Street. The suspect in that incident was described as a white man, older in appearance, wearing a green wax jacket, grey shorts, and blue Crocs.
While police have not confirmed a link between the two incidents, they are keeping an open mind. Detective Inspector Dan Ison, from Staffordshire Police, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation who hasn’t already spoken to officers, or anyone who was in the park during these times and saw anything suspicious."
Victim support and ongoing enquiries
Specialist officers are supporting the victim. Police continue to conduct house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV as part of the investigation. They urge anyone with information to call 101 or use Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website, quoting incident 325 of 17 June.
