Detective appeal for information following assault of elderly woman in Wallasey

We are appealing for witnesses following the assault of an elderly woman in Wallasey last Friday, 26 March.

At around 8.45am, officers were called to Rake Lane Cemetery to reports that a woman in her 80s had been approached by a man, who kicked the victim’s dog, threw her to the ground and made threats to punch her. The woman was left extremely fearful and distressed and the man walked off towards the Egerton Road exit of the cemetery. The victim managed to find help and the police and the ambulance service were called.

Initial enquiries suggest that this was connected to an incident the previous day in the cemetery.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s-30s, and wearing a chequered jacket.

Detective Inspector Matt Caton said: “This was an appalling and cowardly attack on a vulnerable woman walking her deaf and blind dog in a place she has visited for many years. Due to a minor disagreement the previous day, we think between the victim and this man’s wife, this man approached, threatened and attacked her, leaving her extremely distressed and requiring paramedics. I’m sure the community will share our utter disgust at this incident, and our determination to find the man responsible.

“CCTV and witness enquiries have so far been negative but if you saw this incident or the man described in the cemetery, possibly walking a sandy coloured Great Dane puppy, let us know and we will do all we can to put him before the courts.”

If you have any information, please contact us via @MerPolCC with reference 21000192149 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.