Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe could assist with enquiries after a woman was inappropriately touched inside a takeaway shop in Liverpool city centre.
Incident Details
The woman was with her friend at Hot Sport takeaway on Temple Court, near Matthew Street, at around 2.30am on Sunday, April 26, when two men began talking to them. One man, believed to have a Welsh accent, touched one of the women inappropriately before leaving the shop.
Merseyside Police launched an investigation and have now issued CCTV images of a man they believe may hold vital information.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said: “This was a disgraceful attack on a woman, and I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare. The victim is very shaken and understandably very distressed by this ordeal.
“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to find the person responsible. This incident took place in a busy area of the city, so if you were in the vicinity at this time and witnessed the incident or have information which will help with our enquiries then please contact us.
“I am also appealing to the man featured in the images, or anyone who recognises him to come forward. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”
Support for Victims
Det Insp Berry added: “Providing support to victims of sexual assault has never been more important, and I would encourage anyone experiencing this to report it to us and we will support you every way we can.
“If anyone who has suffered a sexual offence and you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are thoroughly investigated.”
How to Report Information
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000327798. You can also report information via the police website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
Anyone with information or who wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801. In an emergency, always call 999.
For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service (StreetSafe | Police.uk) for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused. Please note: StreetSafe is not for reporting crime or incidents.
If something has happened to you or someone you know (including in public spaces online) you can call 101 or find out what online reporting services are available at StreetSafe | Police.uk.
