Man charged with rape in Liverpool city centre

Detectives investigating a reported rape in Liverpool city centre earlier this year have charged a man.

In March it was reported that a woman in her 20s was reportedly raped by a man in Temple Lane.

Samir Al Tawel, 27 years, from Oldham has been charged with two counts of rape of a woman 16 years of age or over, theft from the person of another and intentional strangulation.

He appeared at Wirral Adult Remand Court today, Friday 15 September and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 13^th October.

The victim is receiving support from specialised officers.

Detective Constable Becky Robinson, who is leading the investigation, said: “We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims if this crime.”

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).