Police renew appeal after sexual assault (From Salisbury Journal)

Police renew appeal after sexual assault

10:26am Saturday 30th June 2012 in Headlines

POLICE are renewing an appeal for information after a woman was sexually assaulted in Salisbury.

The 22 year old victim was walking along Gigant Street when a man grabbed her.

She was able to get away and ran off without suffering serious injury.

The offender is described as wearing a blond shoulder length wig, light coloured top and three quarter length trousers. It is believed he may have got out of a hatch back car.

The attack happened shortly before 3am on Friday, June 1. Detective constable Nick Ryan, who is leading on the investigation, said: ‘We need the help of the public in order to identify this man. He was wearing very distinctive clothing and we understand that there were a number of people out on that Thursday night wearing fancy dress – was he part of your group? Did you see him in a pub or club? We need to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw the incident or this man.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who saw a hatchback car in the area of Gigant Street between 2:50-3:00am on Friday, June 1.

“Our specialist officers are providing the victim with support and we would like to take this opportunity remind everyone to think about personal safety measures.”

• Think about your safety before you leave home; make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are with and what time you are likely to return.

• Plan your transport ahead; If travelling by taxi, always use a properly licensed firm and book ahead. On the return journey wait for the taxi driver to ask for you - don’t assume a car pulling up is your taxi • Fully charge your mobile phone and keep it with you so you can keep in contact with your friends and family and ring police should you need to • Try to stay with friends and don’t go off alone - don’t let any of your friends go off alone either. Look out for each other especially if one of you has drunk too much • If you must walk home alone, keep to busy well lit roads even if it means taking a longer route, and don’t accept a lift from any passing cars no matter how much your feet hurt.

• If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are people and ask for help, or, if you can’t find somewhere or you are worried about someone’s behaviour towards you in any way, ring 999.

• Don’t be afraid about being wrong or over-reacting; the police would rather be called only to find that all is well, than be dealing with an incident because someone was afraid of calling them.

• Carrying a personal attack alarm is a good idea, day or night, especially if you are walking alone.

• Always try to be aware of what and who is around you and avoid putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

• And remember, it might not be you that is in danger – if you see anything you think is suspicious call the police – better safe than sorry Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Ryan on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.

Anyone with concerns should contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.