Male arrested following sexual assault in Prenton

A 17-year-old male from Prenton has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault following an incident in Prenton this morning (Sunday, 22 December).

The incident occurred at about 7.30am as a woman was out jogging. She was running along Brancote Road when she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted. The woman who fell to the floor during the incident was in possession of a self-defence spray and when she threatened to use it the male ran off.

House-to-house inquiries were made in the area and CCTV has also been examined.

Detective Chief Inspector Lisa McNaughton, said: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting women and girls from violent sexual crime and stopping those who seek to do them harm by bringing them to justice.

“Our specialist Unity Team is dedicated to investigating all sexual offences and to supporting victims through the whole investigative process. 

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse please come forward and let us know so we can investigate.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

   “Don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.”

The arrested male has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives.

If you witnessed the incident, or have any information which could assist the investigation please contact Merseyside Police via Twitter @MerPolCC, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 219 of 22 December.

You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and 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.