Woman sexually assaulted outside Woolton bar while waiting for taxi

A woman was sexually assaulted outside Botanico Bar on Allerton Road, Woolton, at around 12.15am on 15 August. Merseyside Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe can assist their enquiries.

CCTV released after woman assaulted outside Woolton bar in early hours

Merseyside Police have released CCTV stills of a man they wish to speak to following the sexual assault of a woman outside a bar in Woolton in the early hours of Saturday, 15 August, liverpoolecho.co.uk reports.

The incident occurred at approximately 12.15am as the woman was waiting for a car outside Botanico Bar on Allerton Road. A man approached her, made lewd comments, hugged her and attempted to kiss her. She moved away from him and left the scene by taxi shortly afterwards, before later reporting the matter to police.

Detective Constable Tom Gilbert said: "We think the man pictured may be able to assist this investigation, so if you know him please get in touch."

Gilbert added that the victim had been left "extremely shaken" by the incident and that officers would continue to support her as the investigation proceeds. He also appealed to anyone who had been in the taxi queue at the time and witnessed the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk on X or Facebook at @MerPolCC, or through the force's website. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

To report a sexual offence directly to police, the public can call 101, where calls are handled by specially trained officers. In an emergency, 999 should always be called.

Support services

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape can access specialist support services free of charge, without the need for a referral or a prior report to police.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre known as Safe Place offers anonymous reporting and examination by a specialist doctor, with DNA evidence stored to support any future case should a victim choose to report at a later date. The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service is also available as an alternative to contacting police directly.

In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside can be reached on 0151 558 1801. In St Helens and Knowsley, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside is available on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

Rape and sexual assault can also be reported online via the Merseyside Police website. Additional support is available through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Victim Care Merseyside service.

Source: The Sun