66 year-old man arrested in connection with 40 year-old Cardiff rape case

Police appeal for potential witnesses after re-examining unsolved case

Author: Polly OliverPublished 23rd Oct 2020

Detectives investigating a stranger rape case in Cardiff dating back 40 years are appealing to trace a group of people who may hold vital information.

A 66-year-old man from Somerset has been arrested on suspicion of rape after the investigation was re-examined.

South Wales Police’s Specialist Crime Review Unit recently re-examined the unsolved incident, which is reported to have happened in the Roath area of Cardiff on August 17th 1980.

As a result of their investigation and new forensic techniques, the 66-year-old man from Somerset was arrested on suspicion of rape and is currently on bail pending further enquiries.

Detectives in Cardiff are now appealing to trace a group of individuals – possibly students – who were living in Oakfield Street at the time of the incident and who were approached by the victim for help.

It is believed some may have tried to assist by searching the area for the attacker.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone else who recalls the incident and who may be able to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting occurrence 2000241680.