Detectives are continuing to investigate after a woman was reportedly raped near a church in Kirkby. Police received a report just after 8.20pm on Wednesday, November 4, that a woman had been raped in the vicinity of Old Hall Lane.
The victim went to the local church, St Chad's, for help afterwards. A Merseyside Police spokesperson said this evening, Wednesday, November 11, that specially trained officers are continuing to support her throughout the investigation.
Police appeal for information
The force added that officers are "still ascertaining the details at this point in time". Detectives have analysed CCTV footage in the area and are continuing witness enquiries to identify a potential suspect.
Detective Chief Inspector James Halpin said: "We understand the concern arising from reports of any such incident in our communities and will be maintaining a police presence in the area to speak to anyone who has more information and provide reassurance."
"Locally, we will be continuing our investigation to piece together exactly what happened on Wednesday, November 4 on Old Hall Lane and identify any suspects."
Appeal for dashcam footage
Halpin added: "I am also appealing to anyone who was driving on Old Hall Lane at around 8.20pm and has dashcam footage which may have captured any footage that may be useful to us to please contact police."
He also urged the public to avoid speculation: "As with any live investigation, it is vital for members of the community to refrain from posting comments or speculation online which may jeopardise this investigation or is potentially harmful to the victim involved."
Church and park cordoned off
A Kirkby resident told the ECHO just after 7am on November 5 that St Chad's Church and St Chad's Gardens was taped off by police. Pictures taken by the ECHO just after 1pm that afternoon showed the park and St Chad's Church had been closed, with one police van parked on Old Hall Lane.
Jeremy Fagan, the reverend for St Chad's, told the ECHO that he was aware of the police incident. He added that he had been assisting officers with their enquiries but declined to comment further.
Halpin said: "If you have any information about this incident, please contact us directly at @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously with reference 26000906385."
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Support for victims
A police spokesperson added: "If you have been a victim of a sexual offence or have concerns for someone you know, call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999."
Victims can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801, and in St Helens and Knowsley by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
