Investigation following reports of sexual assault in Wirral

We have arrested a man following an allegation of sexual assault of a young woman in Wirral yesterday morning, 14 August.

The incident is reported to have happened at a property on Pine View Drive at around 9.30am.

Officers arrested a 37-year-old man from Heswell on suspicion of sexual assault this afternoon.

A scene was in place on Pine View Drive whilst officers carried out forensic examinations and witness enquiries which has now been removed.

An extensive investigation is underway in the local area.

Detective Inspector Laura Parr said: “The young woman is currently being supported by our specially trained officers.

“Although an arrest has now been made our investigation is still in the very early stages as we seek to establish the full circumstances of what has taken place.

“We are currently examining a number of lines of enquiry including forensic evidence and potential witnesses who were on Pine View Drive on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

“I would appeal for anyone who believes they could assist the investigation to contact us via @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence allegation 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.

Merseyside Police, alongside three other forces, have also been part of a pilot project for a new service to report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences online – with the option to report anonymously.

The new online Rape and Sexual Assault reporting service is now live on the website here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/ and enables people who do not require immediate police assistance to report the crime via their local force website.

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, e.g. 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)