CCTV appeal following sexual assault at a pub in Wavertree

Detectives have issued CCTV images of two men who could have information that may assist with their enquiries following a sexual assault and an altercation in a Wavertree pub last night, Thursday 21st September.

At around 11.20pm it was reported that a man allegedly pulled a woman’s hair and touched her inappropriately at the Brookhouse pub on Smithdown Road.

A short time later the victim’s boyfriend confronted the offender on his behaviour but was then punched in the face causing a cut to his lip.

Security staff intervened and both men returned to their friends.

However, when the pub was closing another altercation took place involving both parties as they were leaving the premises.

The offenders made off in a black Volkswagen Tiguan.

One victim sustained injuries which required hospital treatment.

Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted, and detectives have issued CCTV images of the men they believe could assist in their investigation.

Detective Inspector Michael Fletcher said: “This was a dangerous and unprovoked attack involving a woman who was sexually assaulted by an unknown man, and I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare.

“This prompted her boyfriend to confront the offender on his behaviour where he was then punched in the face and this continued a short time later into a fight involving five men from both parties.

“Please be rest-assured that our enquiries continue to find two suspects, as such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“With this, I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which can help with our investigation to please contact us.

“I am also appealing to the two men featured in the images, or anyone who recognises them to come forward. We believe they could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.” 

If you have information on this incident please contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 23000914529.

You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To report a sexual offence call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind, support is available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

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, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg 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).