Further CCTV image released as part of investigation into rape in Telford
Police have released a further CCTV image as part of an ongoing investigation into the rape of a woman in Telford in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The image shows a male who was walking along Stafford Road/Uxacona Way away from the town centre at 3.20am that night.
Officers would like to identify and speak to this individual as he may have witnessed something which could aid the investigation into the attack, which took place at around 3.30am under the bridge which runs over Wrockwardine Wood Way, between Wombridge Road and New Road.
Police would also like to speak to a man who was seen on CCTV walking down Station Road before turning right onto Stafford Road/Uxacona Way at 3.05am as he too may have information which could help investigating officers.
The victim, who is being supported by specially-trained officers, had been out with friends at the Industry nightclub in Oakengates during the night of the incident. She left at around 2.40am and headed in the direction of the bus station.
Witnesses reported seeing a male walking behind her from the bus station and along the Stafford Road. He is described as being a white male, aged between 15-30, around 5'10" tall, of slim to medium build and wearing dark trousers and a dark top, possibly with a hood. Police would like to speak to this man or anyone who saw this person, the victim or anyone acting suspiciously in the area around this time.
There was also a man on a bike in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen something that could be vital to the investigation. Police would like to speak to anyone who was on a bike, or knows someone else who was, between 2-4am in the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Harding, who is leading the investigation, said: "I understand that incidents of this nature can be very worrying for the local community. I would like to reassure people that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is underway involving a dedicated team of officers who are working hard to ensure that the man responsible for this attack is identified and apprehended as soon as possible.
"High visibility patrols, which have been conducted this week, will continue and a number of additional officers are working in the area, both investigating this offence and providing reassurance to the local community."
Tonight (Friday) marks the one week anniversary of the incident and officers will be out in the Oakengates area talking to members of the public and seeking further witnesses.
DCI Harding added: "I would urge anyone who thinks they saw something or someone acting suspiciously that night, or who has any information about the incident, to speak to us. Even if they think that what they noticed may be insignificant, I still urge them to come forward as their observation could prove crucial to our investigation.
"I would like to stress that attacks of this type by strangers are very rare, but the people who commit them are very dangerous and this is why we are keen to identify the man responsible as soon as possible."
If you have any information that may help police with their enquiries, or recognise yourself or someone else in this image, please call 101 and quote incident 133s of 18 July 2015. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
