CCTV appeal following sexual assault in Liverpool city centre

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

At around 10.15pm on Monday 18 July it was reported that a man allegedly touched a woman inappropriately on the dance floor of Tess Riley’s on Great Charlotte Street.

She told staff who then removed the man from the premises.

He then walked towards St John’s shopping centre.

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

Det Insp Saidi 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 who witnessed the incident or who has information which could help us with our inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000515488.

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. 
 
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. In an emergency, always call 999. 

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)