CCTV appeal following sexual assault in Liverpool city centre

Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man who could have information that may assist with their enquiries following a sexual assault in Liverpool city centre.

It was reported that at around 11.15pm on Saturday 16 September 2023 a man had touched a woman inappropriately as she was walking along Mathew Street by The Grapes pub.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, stood in shock as the offender quickly walked away up Temple Court towards Victoria Street.

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

Detective Inspector Steve Street said: “This was a very serious crime where the victim was left stunned by the offender’s action. I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare, and we will not tolerate such behaviour being committed.

“We take reports of sexual assault very seriously, and we are very keen to speak with the man featured in the images to help with our enquiries.

“This was a traumatic experience for the victim, and we are working hard to ensure that the person responsible is identified.

“I am appealing to the man featured in this image, or anyone who recognises him to please contact us. We believe he 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 23000893671.

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).