Detectives investigating a sexual assault in Weymouth are looking to trace possible witnesses who may have vital information.
The incident occurred at around 6.30am on Sunday 16 May 2021. The victim, a woman aged in her 40s, was walking along a footpath off Weymouth Bay Avenue that runs between Lodmoor Country Park and the RSPB Lodmoor bird reserve, when she was approached by a man who pushed her to the floor and sexually assaulted her.
The victim was left disorientated and was found by a woman, believed to be aged in her 60s, who was walking a black Labrador but did not have a mobile phone. The woman went and flagged down a man who was nearby, who then contacted the ambulance service.
When the man and woman returned to the victim she was being assisted by a male runner and a further female runner also stopped to help.
Detective Sergeant George Graham, of Weymouth CID, said: “The victim has been the subject of a very distressing sexual assault and she is being fully supported by specially trained officers.
“I would like to reassure members of the public that we have launched a detailed investigation into this incident and have been carrying out a number of enquiries. We are determined to identify the offender responsible and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward.
“We are urgently trying to identify the woman who found the victim and the female runner who stopped to help so we can take their accounts as they may have information that will assist us. I would ask these people, or any other witnesses, to please contact us immediately.
“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area as we carry out enquiries and officers can be approached by members of the community with any concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210076773. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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