Man arrested after rape report in Southport

A man has been arrested following a report that a woman was raped in #Southport in the early hours of Friday (27 December).

It was reported a woman had been raped by a man in the toilets of the Chop House pub on Scarisbrick Avenue between midnight and 2am on Friday.

Following enquiries, a 44-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested today (Monday 30 December) on suspicion of rape. He has been taken into custody to be questioned. Detective Inspector Carla Cross said: “We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously, and following extensive enquiries we have detained a suspect in connection with this incident.“

“We know the impact of such offences can be long-lasting on victims, and our specialist Unity team will provide specialist support to the victim in this case throughout the investigation and court process.”

“While we are making progress with this investigation, we continue to appeal to the public and anyone who was in the Chop House or nearby in the early hours of Friday 27 December to consider if they saw anything that in hindsight seemed suspicious.“

“Information from the public can and often does help to gather evidence that puts dangerous offenders behind bars, and I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 24001083885. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. 

If you have been a victim of sexual offence you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.

This help is also available to family and friends who are supporting the survivor.These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it. 

If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court processes.You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.

Please search for RASA or RASASC (if residing in the St Helens and Knowsley area).Support is available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

If you do not require immediate police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside

Our campaign to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside. The link can be found here: #TakingAction to end Violence Against Women and Girls | Merseyside Police

Force women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service (StreetSafe | Police.uk)  for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. being followed or verbally abused. Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.