Appeal for witnesses over Carlisle sex assault 22 years ago
A woman has recently told police she was assaulted after being approached by three men in 2002
Last updated 18th May 2024
An investigation's begun into reports a woman was sexually assaulted in Carlisle 22 years ago.
It's thought the victim who was 19 at the time was living there as a student when she was approached by three men as she walked to her boyfriend's home on or around October 19 2002.
Cumbria Police say the offence has only recently been reported, but it's thought it happened in the Church Street / Roman Way area in Stanwix at around 5pm.
Detectives say she was followed by three men she did not recognise, two of whom grabbed her. One of the men then kissed her and sexually assaulted her before a woman intervened, helping the victim get away from the men.
Officers are appealing for anyone who recalls seeing what happened, or who has any other information, to come forward.
The primary suspect is described as being 17 to 20 years old and between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins tall. He was of slim to medium build with dark brown hair – short back and sides. He had a crooked nose and a local accent.
Of the two other men, one had a shaved head and other had lighter hair and was taller than the primary suspect. All three men were white and believed to be local to Carlisle.
The woman who intervened was carrying a Morrisons shopping bag, which she dropped on the ground before coming to the victim’s aid. Officers are appealing for her to come forward. She was white and had curly brown hair and glasses. She may have been in a red car.
Officers are also keen to hear from the victim’s then boyfriend, who she is no longer in contact with but who may be able to assist officers in piecing together what happened that evening. He was local to Carlisle and a DJ at the time.
Detective Constable Katie Rowberry said: “Whilst the incident occurred over 20 years ago, we believe that the woman who came to the victim’s aid will recall the incident and may be able to provide valuable information which will aid this investigation.
“Likewise, we believe the details provided, if seen by the victim’s ex-boyfriend, will be recognised and hopefully lead to him getting in touch in order to assist officers.”
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.