A man was arrested on suspicion of rape today after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a pub’s toilets in an ‘incredibly shocking and frightening ordeal’.
The woman claimed she was attacked by a man at the Chop House rock bar in the Merseyside town of Southport in the early hours of last Friday morning.
Detectives revealed this afternoon that a 44-year-old man from Carlisle had been arrested earlier today and taken into custody to be questioned.
The woman is being supported by specially trained officers following the incident at the venue on Scarisbrick Avenue between midnight and 2am on December 27.
Merseyside Police Detective Inspector Carla Cross said: ‘We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously, and following extensive enquiries we have detained a suspect in connection with this incident.
‘We know the impact of such offences can be long-lasting on victims, and our specialist Unity team will provide specialist support to the victim in this case throughout the investigation and court process.
The Chop House rock bar is on Scarisbrick Avenue in Southport, Merseyside (file photo)
‘While we are making progress with this investigation, we continue to appeal to the public and anyone who was in the Chop House or nearby in the early hours of Friday, December 27 to consider if they saw anything that in hindsight seemed suspicious.
‘Information from the public can and often does help to gather evidence that puts dangerous offenders behind bars, and I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch.’
Before the arrest had been made, Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said yesterday: ‘This was an incredibly shocking and frightening ordeal for the victim.’
He added: ‘It is important that people who socialise in Southport and right across Merseyside feel safe on nights out, and we will hope that our high visibility patrols will assist with that.
‘I would always encourage members of the public to engage with our officers and report any suspicious or unusual activity so we can take immediate action.’
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to direct message @MerPolCC on social media or call 101 quoting reference 24001083885. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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