A woman was sexually assaulted outside a bar in Woolton as she waited for a taxi. The incident happened at around 12.15am on Saturday, August 15 as the woman was waiting for a car outside Botanico Bar on Allerton Road, in Woolton.
A man approached the woman and made lewd comments towards her, hugged her and tried to kiss her. She moved away from the man and left in a taxi a short time later. The woman later reported the incident to police, who have now issued two CCTV stills of a man they believe can help with their enquiries.
Police appeal for information
Detective Constable Tom Gilbert said: "We think the man pictured may be able to assist this investigation, so if you know him please get in touch."
"The victim was left extremely shaken by what happened and we will continue to support her as our work continues. I’d like to additionally ask that anyone in that taxi queue who saw the incident also comes forward with any information."
How to report information
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via their website. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
To report a sexual offence you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999.
Support for victims
Specialist support services are free of charge and available to anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these services.
These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it. If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.
You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police. With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are ok and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.
Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063. If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault via the Merseyside Police website.
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service. The Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign puts the voices of women and girls at the heart of the work to tackle VAWG, with more information available on the Merseyside Police website.
