Avon and Somerset Police launch rape investigation after attack on busy city centre street

Police are appealing for witnesses, footage and information after a woman reported that a man raped her in Denmark Street, Bristol. Officers want to trace the man pictured, described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, about 5ft 7ins tall, as part of the investigation. He was seen in the area at the time.

The incident occurred between 3.30 and 4.30am on October 30 - the night the clocks went back. A woman, aged in her 20s, had been at a nearby bar and was on her way home alone when she was approached by the stranger.

Avon and Somerset Police believe that several people passed by as the attack happened, both on foot and in vehicles and are keen to hear from anyone who was in Denmark Street at about that time. Detectives are especially keen to hear from drivers with dashcam footage or people with mobile phone footage of the area at the time.

Detective Sergeant Toby Hayes of Operation Bluestone, a dedicated team of specialist rape and serious sexual offence investigators, said: “We’ve referred the woman to specialist support and are carrying out a thorough investigation while being sensitive to the trauma of her experience.

“This appeal is just one of our lines of enquiry but I would urge anyone who was on Denmark Street between 3.30 and 4.30am to come forward. You might not realise that you have the key piece of information we need.”

If you can help, please call 101 and give the reference 5222260982. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website or call 0117 342 6999.

You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations that are experts in supporting victims.

If you feel unsafe in a public place you can report it via the StreetSafe tool - www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe. The tool helps to inform our approach to protecting women and girls and allows police and partners to target particular areas of concern.