Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man who may have information that could assist enquiries following a report of rape in Toxteth.
At around 3.30am on Monday 21 August, it was reported that a woman had met a man on London Road, and they walked across town to Falkner Street, close to Crown Street and Oxford Street. The offender then assaulted and raped the woman in a derelict building.
The offender then left the scene and the victim who was very distressed by the attack.
Extensive enquiries have been conducted, and detectives have issued CCTV images of a man they believe could assist in their investigation.
Detective Inspector Rob Pritchard said, “I am appealing to the man featured in this image, or anyone who recognises him to come forward as we believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.
“Such a serious offence is extremely distressing, and specialist officers will continue to support the victim. We also understand the wider concern that this will cause in the area, and I want to assure people that we are assessing all possible evidence as a matter of high priority.”
Det Insp Pritchard 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.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that could help with inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 23000779890.
To report a sexual offence call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind, support is available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service 
delivered jointly by two registered charities. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by 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.
For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service (StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.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 police on 101 or find out what online reporting services are available at StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk
Image: Merseyside Police
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