Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to after a woman in her 30s was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man riding a bicycle in Gurnard Park, Portsmouth, last month.
Police have released CCTV footage after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man riding a bicycle in a popular Portsmouth park. Officers launched an investigation following reports that a woman in her 30s was attacked during a late-night incident on 25 July. According to police, the man approached the victim on Colwell Road while riding a bicycle, and the pair spoke briefly before walking into Gurnard Park together, where he is reported to have sexually assaulted her over her clothing before leaving the area.
What police have said
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary detailed the circumstances of the alleged assault: “Officers investigating a sexual assault in Cosham are releasing a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to, who may be able to assist with their enquiries. You may have seen an appeal we previously issued following a report that between 8pm and 10.15pm on Saturday 25 July, a woman in her 30s was approached by a man riding a bicycle on Colwell Road. The pair spoke briefly before walking into Gurnard Park, where the man is reported to have sexually assaulted the woman over her clothing before leaving the area. The woman was not physically injured during the incident.”
CCTV appeal
Police say they have carried out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and have now released a CCTV image of a man seen in the area at the time, who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. The force said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and are now releasing a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to, who was seen in the area at the time and may be able to assist us.”
Officers are also continuing to appeal for witnesses more broadly, adding: “We are also continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the Colwell Road, Sandown Road or Gurnard Park areas between 8pm and 10.15pm on Saturday 25 July to contact us. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or other footage that could assist our investigation.”
How to contact police
Anyone who recognises the man in the released image, or who has information that could assist the investigation, is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 44260358551, or to submit information online via the Hampshire police website. Information can also be reported anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, either by calling 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
