St Helens Local Issue 5

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Issue. 5 - September 2017 www.twitter.com/@STHlocal

FREE Police Call For Members Of The Public To Come Forward Following The Rape Inside This Issue: Care • News • Lake District • Sport

Of A Woman In New Brighton

Merseyside Police can confirm that an investigation has been launched following reports that a woman was raped as she took a morning walk in New Brighton on the morning (Monday, 28 August 2017). The incident happened near to the promenade at New Brighton, not far from the Derby Pool Public House. The victim, who is 45 years, arrived at the Derby Pool car park at about 7am and was walking along a pathway in the coastal park when she was hit from behind, causing her to fall to the floor. She was then dragged up the hill and raped by the offender. The offender is described as white, stocky build and approx. 5ft 5in to 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a light grey tracksuit with the hood pulled up, dark trainers and had his face covered. Detectives are carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries and have been making inquiries in the area to see if anyone has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area. Crime Scene Investigators are also searching the area where the incident is believed to have happened. She is currently being comforted by her family and

is being supported by the specialist Unity team. DCI Bev Hyland, said: "Merseyside Police has launched an investigation following the report of a rape on a path in the coastal park near to Derby Pools car park this morning. The victim is understandably very distressed following her ordeal and specialist officers from the Unity Team are supporting the victim and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. "We believe the attack happened at around 7am and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around that time, who may have seen or heard anything that could help us with our investigation. I am particularly interested in talking to two cyclists who were in the area around the time of the attack, they won't have realised what had happened but there is a chance they may have seen the offender, or someone acting suspiciously, and I would appeal to them to come forward. "Although it was early on a Bank Holiday morning this is a popular spot for dog walkers and people jogging, so I would ask them, if they were in the area around that time, to think back and try to remember if they saw anything unusual, or anyone fitting the description of the offender. She added: "Incidents such as this are very rare and I’d like to reassure the local community we are doing everything we can to catch the offender. People can expect to see a visible police presence in the area."

Anyone who has information which could help detectives with the investigation is asked to contact the Unity team on 0151 777 1382, or 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Following the incident Merseyside Police is issuing the following general personal safety advice to members of the public, particularly women and young people walking in secluded areas, or late at night. • Don't talk to strangers • If possible, avoid isolated areas • Keep to main roads, don't take short cuts • Carry a personal attack alarm • Walk with friends where possible • Organise transport to and from your destination in advance The Unity Team is a rape investigation unit in which specialist police officers work side-by-side with dedicated, expert prosecutors to ensure cases are built to the highest standard, and as swiftly as possible to minimise distress to the victims.

Adult victims are offered 24/7 crisis support and are referred to independent sexual violence advisors within 24 hours. The independent sexual violence advisors work with the victim from the moment the police make the referral through to the court case and beyond. In respect of children the force works closely with partner agencies (particularly Social Services), safeguarding teams within Family Crime Investigation Units and professionals within Alder Hey Hospitals Trust.

Merseyside Police seize off-road bike in Parr,

St Helens during crackdown on anti-social behaviour

Merseyside Police officers have seized another off-road bike as part of its ongoing work to tackle bike anti-social behaviour. Officers seized the off-road motorbike in a field near Malvern Road in Parr at around 4.35pm on Friday 25 August 2017. The owner, a 33-year-old man from the Parr area, had been issued with a Section 59 warning previously,

but was found in the area where there have been a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour. Inspector Leigh Price said: "We know that off-road bikes can cause significant nuisance, stress and danger to members of our communities, that’s why our officers continue to work proactively to find and disrupt those who use off-road motorbikes in a criminal or anti-social manner.

If you are issued with a Section 59 warning because of your behaviour and you ignore us, there are no excuses, we will take your vehicle away. "We will continue to act on any information so if you know where these bikes are being stored or who is storing them, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."


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