A man has been charged and remanded in custody following reports three women were sexually assaulted in Liverpool city centre on Saturday 23 and Thursday 27 October 2021.
Merseyside Police received a report of sexual assault at Liverpool One bus terminal number 10 at around 11.30pm on Saturday 23 October 2021. Two friends were waiting for a taxi when they were sexually assaulted.
A further report was received that a woman had been sexually and physically assaulted at around 12.40am on Wednesday 27 October 2021 in the Lydia Anne Street area of the city centre.
Following enquiries, a suspect was arrested and charged in connection with both incidents.
Ahmed Al-Razawe, 23, of Upper Park Street was charged with three counts of sexual assault and one Section 47 assault.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 29 November 2021.
Detective Inspector Jennifer Beck said, “Sexual assault is a terrifying crime which can have a catastrophic effect on victims for the rest of their lives.
“We urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual assault to contact Merseyside Police as there is help and support available to you. We have specially trained officers who will listen and treat you with sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you throughout – from your initial report, through the court process and beyond.
“On busy nights we have additional officers in key locations who are tasked with identifying potential perpetrators who are displaying signs of predatory behaviour such as loitering without good reason, or giving or approaching females with unwanted attention.
“Staff in licensed premises and other partners have also been given bystander training to help them identify individuals acting suspiciously. Officers are also vigilant to help anyone who may be vulnerable and consider any immediate safeguarding concerns.
“I would encourage anyone with any concerns to seek assistance from bar and door staff or speak to our uniformed officers on the streets who can offer immediate assistance.”
Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained staff.
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.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
More information and advice is available at the following websites:
https://www.talktofrank.com/news/spiking
https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-yourself-from-crime/spiked-drinks-date-rape-drugs/