Man arrested on suspicion of kidnap and sexual assault
It's reported that a man claiming to be an Uber driver locked the victim in the car and touched her inappropriately
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
A man has been arrested in connection with a reported sexual assault on a woman in Bournemouth.
Dorset Police received a report that at around 2am on Sunday 11 September 2022 a 19-year-old woman was offered a lift by a man claiming to be an Uber driver outside the Bournemouth International Centre in Exeter Road.
It was reported that when she got into the vehicle the man locked the doors and touched the victim inappropriately.
The driver was reportedly unable to provide any identification when challenged by the victim and eventually drove her home.
Following an investigation by detectives from Bournemouth CID, a 29-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and kidnap.
Detective Sergeant Charlotte Staples, of Bournemouth CID, said they want to speak to a second woman who may have been approached in similar circumstances on the early hours of Sunday, 11 September:
“We are continuing to make enquiries into this incident. From our investigation so far, we understand another woman may have been approached in similar circumstances shortly before 2am on Sunday 11 September 2022 in the area of St Peter’s Road and Fir Vale Road, but did not get into the vehicle.
“I would be keen to speak with this woman as she may have important information to assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220148876.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.