Detectives are appealing for the public’s help
Detectives are looking to speak with the man pictured who may have information relating to a sexual assault in the city centre
A teenage girl was sexually assaulted several times while waiting for a taxi after a night out in the city centre as police appeal for information. Police said a 17-year-old girl reported she was waiting for a taxi on Ranelagh Street after being out with friends when a man approached her at around 3am on Friday, May 1.
He made inappropriate comments before he then is said to have sexually assaulted her several times. The victim then ran away and reported the incident to Merseyside Police.
Since the incident, police are contiuing to support the victim, and extensive CCTV and witness enquirires have been conducted in the area.
Detectives have now released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to who they believe could assist their investigation.
Detective Inspector Lee Egerton said: “This was a terrifying incident where a teenage girl was sexually assaulted several times in our city centre.
“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we are very keen to speak with the man featured in the image to help with our enquiries.
“If you recognise him please come forward. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.
“I am also appealing to anyone who was on Ranelagh Street at 3am Friday 1 May and saw the man and the teenage girl to please come forward as soon as possible.
“If you have any information about sexual offences, whether it affects you or someone known to you, please be assured that our specially trained officers will support you throughout the investigation.”
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or on Facebook @MerPolCC quoting reference 26000342911.
Detectives are looking to speak with the man pictured who may have information relating to a sexual assault in the city centre
“You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 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 In an emergency always call 999.
“To report a sexual offence you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
“If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support 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 our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/.
“Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside.
“Our Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign puts the voices of women and girls at the heart of our work to tackle VAWG. You can find out more about the campaign here: www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg.”