Man arrested on suspicion of rape in Bournemouth

An 18-year-old man has been detained

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 22nd Mar 2023

Detectives investigating a report of a rape in Bournemouth have made an arrest.

It is reported that the victim – a 19-year-old woman – was walking in the area of Lansdowne Road, between the flyover above the A338 and Beechey Road, between around 1.30am and 1.45am on Sunday 26 February when she was sexually assaulted by a man.

An investigation was launched, led by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, and yesterday a CCTV appeal was issued of a man detectives wished to identify.

An 18-year-old man was arrested just after 5.40pm yesterday on suspicion of rape.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We have been carrying out detailed enquiries into this incident and, as a result, we have made an arrest. Specialist officers continue to support the victim, who has been updated with this development.

“Our investigation remains ongoing into this incident, and I am still keen to speak to a man who came to the aid of the victim as I believe he may hold vital information. I would also like to hear from any motorists who were travelling along Lansdowne Road or Beechey Road during the relevant time frame or residents who may have captured something on their home CCTV or doorbell cameras.”

Detectives are urging anyone with information, images or footage relevant to the investigation to submit it via the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal

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