Warwickshire Police have launched an urgent investigation after a young man was allegedly sexually assaulted by three masked men on a bridge near Bermuda Leisure Park in Nuneaton, with detectives appealing for CCTV and witness footage as they work to identify the attackers.
Warwickshire Police have launched an urgent investigation after a young man was allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of masked men near a leisure park in Nuneaton. The attack is reported to have taken place at around 1am on Wednesday, when three men dressed in black clothing, masks and gloves targeted the victim on a bridge over the A444, close to Bermuda Leisure Park. Officers have cordoned off a large stretch of the road while their investigation continues, and the victim is being supported by specialist officers.
Details of the alleged attack
According to Warwickshire Police, the assault occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on a bridge near Bermuda Leisure Park. All three suspects are said to have been wearing black clothing, masks and gloves at the time. Police have described the first attacker as approximately 5ft 10in tall and of large build, the second as slim and around 6ft 2in, and the third as roughly 5ft 8in tall and of medium build. Officers said one suspect is believed to have been wearing black and white trainers, possibly Nike Air Force 1s, while another was described as having blue eyes.
Police response
Detectives, forensic specialists and neighbourhood officers were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, with a large cordon established near the bridge while forensic examinations were carried out.
Inspector Ryan Walker said: “We know our residents will be concerned by this attack, and the victim is being supported by specialist officers. Within minutes of this attack first being reported, an urgent investigation was launched, with a cordon in place today. Our neighbourhood officers will be out and about in the area. Please come talk to them if you have any concerns.”
Local neighbourhood policing teams have increased high-visibility patrols in the area in an effort to reassure residents and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Force addresses reaction to victim’s description
In a statement, Warwickshire Police also addressed public reaction to the level of detail provided by the victim, noting that trauma can significantly affect a person’s ability to recall specific details following a serious incident. The statement read: “We are continuing to investigate this attack, and specialist officers are supporting the victim. We would also like to take this chance to remind everyone that when someone has been through such a traumatic event, they may struggle to give detailed descriptions of suspects. It is a normal response to severe trauma. When leaving comments that are critical of that description, we would ask that people consider the impact that those comments might have should victims see them.”
The force added: “Our detectives are working around the clock to identify the three men, and our local policing team remain in the area. Please come and talk to them if you have any concerns or information that could help our investigation.”
Appeal for information
Detectives have appealed specifically for CCTV, dashcam and doorbell camera footage from anyone who was in or around the area between 12.30am and 1.30am on Wednesday, saying such footage could prove crucial in identifying the three suspects, given that all were wearing face coverings at the time. No arrests have been announced, and officers are continuing to investigate whether the attack was targeted or random.
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, victims of alleged sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity, meaning identifying information about the victim cannot legally be published.
Anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack, or who has information that could assist the investigation, is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 53 of 5 August. Police have urged the public not to share speculation on social media, and information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers.
