Woman raped in pub toilets as police release CCTV image of man

Police said the man could assist in the investigation

Merseyside Police have released a CCTV image of a man who could assist in their investigation after a woman was raped in a bar’s toilets. Police described the incident as an “incredibly shocking and frightening ordeal for the victim.” The attack happened between midnight and 2am on Friday, December 27, at the Chop House pub on Scarisbrick Avenue in Southport.

The victim is looked after by specially trained officers. Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to as they believe he could assist with the investigation.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy, of Merseyside Police, said: “This was an incredibly shocking and frightening ordeal for the victim. Rape and sexual assault can have a huge and lasting impact on the victim and our specialist Unity team will provide specialist support throughout the investigation and beyond.

“As part of the investigation to establish the full circumstances, locate the perpetrator and bring him to justice, we are releasing CCTV images of a man who we believe could help us. We encourage the man or anyone who recognizes him to contact us regarding any matter of urgency.

“It’s important that people socializing in Southport and across Merseyside feel safe at night and we hope our high visibility patrols will help with this. I would always encourage the public to contact our officers and report any suspicious or unusual activity so we can take immediate action.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact @MerPolCC via DM or call 101 quoting reference number 24001083885. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.

If you have been the victim of a sexual offense, you have access to specialist support services that are free and available to everyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before accessing these specialist support services. This assistance is also available to family members and friends who support the bereaved.

These services can support you in a variety of ways, including the possibility of a confidential conversation if you would like to make a police report but are unsure about what it is and would like to discuss it. If you decide to contact Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court process.

You may choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Center called Safe Place or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service rather than contacting Merseyside Police directly. Please search for RASA or RASASC (if you live in the St Helens and Knowsley area).

Support is available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801 and in St Helens and Knowsley from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Center (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

If you don’t need immediate police assistance, you can report rapes and sexual assaults via the police website here. Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside