CCTV appeal following sexual assault in Litherland

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

At around 7pm on Saturday 23 May, a woman was walking along Bridge Road when a man approached her and kissed her without her consent.

The victim walked away immediately and entered a nearby Subway where the man followed her inside. She informed a member of staff what had occurred, and the employee instructed the offender to leave the premises and she was able to escape the situation.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify the alleged offender, and detectives have issued images of a man they believe could assist with their investigation. 

Detective Inspector Edward Barr said: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable, and we take reports of sexual assault very seriously. We are very keen to speak with the person 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 these images, or anyone who recognises him to please contact us. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference  26000410778.

You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.

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).