Woman in her 20s ‘raped in seaside town’ late at night sparking urgent police hunt for ‘attacker’
A YOUNG woman has reportedly been “raped” in a park as police have launched a probe urging members of the public to help find the “attacker”.
Detectives were called in after a woman aged in her 20s, reported being raped at Hotham Park in Bognor Regis between 11.10pm on April 20 and 00.45am on April 21.
Cops have requested that anyone with information that could help their enquiries to come forward.
The local force has also increased its presence to reassure locals following the report.
An investigation is underway and it is believed the incident does not pose a greater risk to members of the public, according to police.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said today: “Officers have been carrying out inquiries and the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area while this matter is investigated.
“We are in the early stages of this investigation, however it is believed to be an isolated incident. Anyone with concerns can approach officers to speak with them.
“Reports of rape are taken extremely seriously and we urge anyone with information to come forward, including witnesses in the area or those with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage.”
District Commander William Keating-Jones said: “We understand the public’s concern and we are working hard alongside partner agencies to tackle crime in the town.
“Officers will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in Bognor to provide reassurance, to catch offenders, and to prevent new offences being committed. We continue to encourage anyone who is impacted by crimes to report them to us.”
Anyone with information about the incident in Hotham Park on 21 April was asked to report it to Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting Operation Westbeach.