Man Arrested In Connection With Middlesbrough Attempted Rape
Police are making a further appeal to trace a taxi driver following the attempted rape of a 42-year-old woman in Middlesbrough.
The incident happened on Sunday 4th October, between 4am and 4.30am, on Whitfield Avenue, a path that runs off Angle Street close to Marton Road. Officers would like to speak to the driver of a black and yellow taxi which collected a woman between the old White Rose Public House and St Joseph’s Church at the junction of Marton Road and Park Road South, sometime between 4.30am and 5am. It is unknown in which direction the taxi was travelling. The driver is described as an Asian male, aged in his early thirties, of medium build with a bald or shaven hair. Police would like to speak to the driver as he may be able to assist with enquiries.
The victim was approached by the suspect close to a Royal Cars taxi rank on Marton Road and she walked with the male from Park Vale Road onto Angle Street and then onto Whitfield Avenue, where the offence took place. She was left with minor injuries which did not require treatment. Detectives have previously appealed to trace a man who was stood close to the Royal Cars taxi rank, near to the junction of Martin Road and Southfield Road when the victim was approached by the suspect. This man could have vital information which could greatly assist officers with the inquiry. He is described as a white male, aged in his late forties to early fifties, of medium build with ‘short back and sides’ hair style and wearing blue jeans and a red top. Police would like this man to contact them. It is believed that two cyclists were also in the area of Marton Road near to the junction with Southfield Road around the time of the incident and officers would also appeal to these people to contact them. A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and he has been bailed pending further enquiries. Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King from Cleveland Police Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.