Man arrested following sexual assault in Birkenhead

We have arrested a man following a sexual assault reported in Birkenhead on Friday, 17 December. 

Yesterday, Monday 20 December, we received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted in an alleyway off Market Street, near the Lion pub and the Post Office on Friday evening. 

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers. 

Yesterday, a 27-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of rape. He was questioned by police and has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries. 

A scene was in place on Market Street while forensic enquiries were carried out yesterday but this has now been stood down. 
 
Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101. 
 
Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 
 
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.

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, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. 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 us on 101 or find out what online reporting services are available at StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk)