A young woman was subjected to a sexual assault by a gang of men at a crowded, family-friendly Christmas event in Middlesbrough, in an incident that has shocked the local community.
Attack Amidst Festive Crowds
The assault occurred on Saturday 13 December at approximately 7.30pm in Captain Cook Square. The 25-year-old victim was leaving the Bazaar Restaurant when she was approached by a group of five to seven men who made comments to her.
The men, described as being Asian and aged between 17 and 23, then surrounded the woman before one of them sexually assaulted her. The attack took place during the council-organised ‘Snow at Six’ event, which was packed with parents and children enjoying festive attractions like a snow machine and entertainers.
Community Shock and Police Investigation
Following the assault, the gang fled in the direction of Borough Road. The distressed woman returned to the restaurant to raise the alarm. A local businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed the community's dismay, stating the square was "full of young families at the time, which makes what happened all the more shocking."
Cleveland Police have launched an investigation and released a CCTV image of a man they urgently wish to speak to in connection with the incident. PC Burnhope from Middlesbrough's neighbourhood policing team said: "I understand this will be concerning to the local community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible."
Appeal for Witnesses
Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the Captain Cook Square area between 7.30pm and 8pm on December 13 to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the individual in the released CCTV image or who has any other information that could aid the probe.
The police reference number for the case is 238172. Information can be provided by calling 101, visiting the Cleveland Police website, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.
