CCTV image appeal following sexual assault in Liverpool city centre

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

At around 2.30am on Sunday 26 April it was reported that a woman was with her friend at Hot Spot takeaway on Temple Court (near Mathew Street) when two men approached them and engaged in conversation.

One man, who is believed to have a Welsh accent, then touched one woman inappropriately before leaving the takeaway.

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

Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said: “This was a disgraceful attack on a woman, and I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare. The victim is very shaken and understandably very distressed by this ordeal.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to find the person responsible. This incident took place in a busy area of the city, so if you were in the vicinity at this time and witnessed the incident or have information which will help with our enquiries then please contact us.

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

Det Insp Berry added: “Providing support to victims of sexual assault has never been more important, and I would encourage anyone experiencing this to report it to us and we will support you every way we can.  

"If anyone who has suffered a sexual offence and you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are thoroughly investigated."

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000327798.

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 with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999. 

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)