Police investigate reports of rape and sexual assault at Victorious Festival

Officers say they're taking the claims extremely seriously

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 31st Aug 2022

Police are investigating reports of a rape and sexual assault at Victorious Festival in Portsmouth over the bank holiday weekend.

Hampshire Constabulary has launched investigations into the attacks at the event on Southsea Common, which was headlined by Sam Fender, Paolo Nutini and the Stereophonics.

A total of three sexual offences were reported along with one assault, two public order offences and two drugs offences.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson said:

"Each year we work closely with the festival organisers, working together to try and create a safe and welcoming environment for all attending.

"This year, a focus of our work with the organisers and their teams on site was placed on violence against women and how to spot the signs of this.

"Throughout the weekend, staff working at the festival acted diligently, alerting us to any potential incidents, which we were able to review and ensure nothing untoward was happening.

"Sadly, we are now investigating a report of a sexual assault and a report of a rape on the site over the course of the weekend.

"We take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we will relentlessly pursue perpetrators in a bid to get justice for victims and make public spaces safer."

No further details of the offences have been released by the police.

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